Golden State Career Videos

Speech/Language Pathologists & Audiologists

Description OES Code: 32314

Examine and provide remedial services for persons with speech and hearing disorders. Perform research related to speech and language problems.

Wages, California

Entry-Level Hourly Wage $20.40

25th Percentile $23.44

50th Percentile $28.42

75th Percentile $34.11

Wages, San Joaquin County

Entry-Level Hourly Wage $22.34

25th Percentile $24.15

50th Percentile $28.12

75th Percentile $32.08

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Weekdays and daytime hours are common to these careers. School district employees usually get summers off. Common benefits are dental, medical, vision and retirement plans.

Employment Trends, California

Employment 1998 8,200

Projected Employment 2008 12,700

Percent Change 1998-2008 54.9%

Separations 1998-2008 1,600

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County

Employment 1999 130

Projected Employment 2006 190

Percent Change 1999-2006 46.2%

Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Growth is expected to be faster than average. Many opportunities will be from new jobs, but most will be replacement as workers leave the occupation permanently or change careers. An increasing number of SLPs enter private practice; this data is not included in the above information.

According to the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), continuing shortages exist for SLPs. Schools are hiring more SLPs to comply with the federal law ensuring a free, relevant education provided by appropriately trained personnel for children with disabilities.

As the 75 and older population grows, communication disorder treatments of stroke patients and other effects of aging will likely increase.

Advancement
SLPs and Audiologists can advance to supervisors, school department chairs, or heads of laboratories, hospitals, or clinics. Some establish private practices or join existing group practices as partners.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Many SLPs and Audiologists go to work for the institution where they served their internship. Job seekers should network with others through ASHA and CSHA, register with their school placement office and apply directly to schools, colleges and universities, and to State, federal, and private health care centers.

For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Many California colleges and universities have MA degree programs in communication disorders. Contact the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association in Sacramento for a complete list of schools. A variety of credential options exist for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists whose career goal is in the public schools:

Clinical-Rehabilitative Services Credential (CRSC);
Special Education Credential-Communication Handicapped (to work with the severely communication-handicapped pupil); and
Special Classroom Authorization -- a "tag-on" credential for those who want to teach communication-disabled students in the classroom (preschool through high school).

SLPs and Audiologists employed by private school communication-disorders programs must be licensed by the State's Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee. A license is required to work for or contract with health services centers and clinics or private schools. MS degree or the equivalent in speech-language pathology or audiology that includes supervised clinical experience, and License Requirements: Nine months of full time or 18 months of part time field experience under the supervision of a licensed professional, and qualifying scores on a national test within the past five years.

References
California Occupational Guide: #453