Speech-Language Pathologist Job Description (2026): Duties, Skills and Salary
A speech-language pathologist evaluates and treats communication and swallowing disorders, working with clients who have speech delays, language disorders, stuttering, voice problems or difficulty swallowing. The job includes assessment, writing individualized treatment plans, running therapy sessions, and tracking progress against measurable goals.
Speech-language pathologists work in schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, early intervention programs and private practice, often serving very different age groups and goals depending on the setting: a toddler's language delay looks nothing like an adult's recovery after a stroke.
Speech-Language Pathologist job description template
Copy it, replace everything in [brackets] and cut what doesn't apply. Keep the requirements to what the job really needs.
Template · replace the [brackets]
Speech-Language Pathologist
[Company] · [City and office days, or remote with the countries or time zones you hire in] · [Full-time]
About [Company]
[Two or three sentences on what your company does, who it serves and why this team matters now.]
About the role
[Company] is hiring a speech-language pathologist to evaluate and treat [client population] at [facility/school]. You'll assess communication and swallowing needs, deliver therapy, and track progress toward measurable goals.
What you'll do
- Evaluate clients for speech, language, voice, fluency or swallowing disorders.
- Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable, realistic goals.
- Deliver therapy sessions using evidence-based techniques and materials.
- Document evaluations, session notes and progress in [EHR/IEP system].
- Collaborate with teachers, physicians, caregivers or other therapists on care plans.
- Train caregivers and family members on carryover strategies at home.
- Attend IEP meetings or care team conferences and communicate progress clearly.
- Stay current on treatment approaches through continuing education.
What you'll bring
- Master's degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited program.
- ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) or eligibility.
- Licensed by the state when mandated.
- Strong assessment skills and ability to write clear, goal-oriented treatment plans.
- Comfortable managing a caseload with varied diagnoses and ages.
- Clear communication with clients, families and multidisciplinary teams.
Nice to have
- Experience with [population, e.g. pediatric, geriatric, or neurogenic disorders].
- Bilingual (Spanish or another language common to the client population).
- Certification in a specific approach such as PROMPT or VitalStim.
- Experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
What we offer
- [Pay range: e.g. $X–$Y base salary, plus bonus or equity if offered]
- [Continuing education budget, licensure fee reimbursement, flexible scheduling, mileage reimbursement for home visits]
- [Health cover, retirement or pension plan, paid time off, parental leave]
- [Work authorization: whether you can sponsor a visa or hire through an employer of record]
[Our process: a recruiter call, a clinical interview with a supervising SLP, a review of a sample evaluation or treatment plan, and a reference and credential check.]
[Your equal opportunity statement, and how candidates can ask for adjustments during the process]
Put the pay range in the ad. Several US states, including California, Colorado, New York and Washington, require it in job postings, and the EU Pay Transparency Directive gives applicants the right to know the starting pay or its range before the interview.
Speech-Language Pathologist duties by seniority
What the job usually looks like at each level. Pitch the ad at one level and say which in the title.
Junior
- Carries a caseload of straightforward cases with supervision during the clinical fellowship year.
- Learns documentation systems and facility or school protocols.
- Builds speed and consistency in evaluation and therapy delivery.
Mid-level
- Manages a full, varied caseload independently.
- Mentors clinical fellows and supervises students on placement.
- Takes on more complex diagnoses or a specialized population.
Senior
- Leads a department or program and sets clinical protocols.
- Supervises multiple SLPs and clinical fellows.
- Represents speech pathology on interdisciplinary leadership or policy decisions.
Speech-Language Pathologist career path
- Clinical Fellow (CF-SLP)
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Senior SLP
- Clinical Director or Program Supervisor
Speech-language pathologists enter through a master's degree followed by a supervised clinical fellowship year before earning full ASHA certification. From there, paths lead to specialized clinical roles, supervision of fellows and students, or clinical and program leadership.
Similar roles
- Occupational Therapist job description
Addresses daily living and motor skills rather than communication and swallowing.
- Physical Therapist job description
Focuses on movement and physical function rather than speech or language.
- Special Education Teacher job description
Teaches academic content with accommodations rather than delivering clinical therapy.
- School Counselor job description
Supports students' social-emotional needs rather than communication disorders.
Speech-Language Pathologist job description FAQ
What does a speech-language pathologist do?
Evaluates and treats speech, language, voice, fluency and swallowing disorders, writing individualized treatment plans and delivering therapy toward measurable goals. SLPs also train caregivers and coordinate with other providers.
What skills should a speech-language pathologist job description require?
A master's degree in speech-language pathology, ASHA CCC-SLP certification or eligibility, state licensure where required, and strong assessment and documentation skills. Specific population experience is a common nice-to-have.
Is speech-language pathologist an entry-level job?
New graduates enter as clinical fellows under supervision before earning full certification, so it's entry-level within the field but requires a completed master's degree first. State the fellowship or licensure status you expect.