Occupation AtlasSpeech-Language Pathologists
O*NET · 29-1127.00
Speech-Language Pathologists
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
Also called Bilingual SLP · Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist (Bilingual SLP) · Home Health SLP · Home Health SLP (Home Health Speech Language Pathologist) · Language Pathologist · Oral Therapist · Pediatric SLP · Pediatric SLP (Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist)
28 more
Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist (Pediatric SLP) · Public School Speech Clinician · Public School Speech Therapist · School SLP · School SLP (School Speech Language Pathologist) · SLP · SLP CF · SLP CF (Speech Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow) · SNF RN · SNF RN (Skilled Nursing Facility Registered Nurse) · Speech and Language Clinician · Speech and Language Specialist · Speech and Language Teacher · Speech and Language Therapist · Speech Clinician · Speech Correction Consultant · Speech Language Pathologist · Speech Pathologist · Speech Therapist · Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) · Speech-Language Specialist · Teletherapy SLP · Teletherapy SLP (Teletherapy Speech Language Pathologist) · Travel SLP · Travel SLP (Travel Speech Language Pathologist) · Virtual School SLP · Virtual School SLP (Virtual School Speech Language Pathologist) · Voice Pathologist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Occupational Therapists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SICSocial · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social6.09
- I Investigative5.57
- C Conventional4.03
- A Artistic3.00
- R Realistic2.62
- E Enterprising1.44
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (73%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (28%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (32%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- InstructingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
Show the other 23
- Service OrientationImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- CoordinationImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Operations AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- SciencebasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- NegotiationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- ProgrammingImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
17 core · 6 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.Importance 4.9
- Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.Importance 4.9
- Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.Importance 4.8
- Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.Importance 4.8
- Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.Importance 4.8
- Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.Importance 4.7
- Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.Importance 4.7
- Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.Importance 4.6
- Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.Importance 4.5
- Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.Importance 4.5
- Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.Importance 4.4
- Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.Importance 4.4
Show the other 11
- Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.Importance 4.3
- Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.Importance 4.2
- Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.Importance 4.1
- Participate in conferences, training, continuing education courses, or publish research results to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.Importance 4.0
- Use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.Importance 3.6
- Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.Importance 4.3
- Conduct lessons or direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems.Importance 4.1
- Provide communication instruction to dialect speakers or students with limited English proficiency.Importance 4.1
- Communicate with students who use an alternative method of communications, using sign language or computer technology.Importance 3.8
- Supervise students or assistants.Importance 3.8
- Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.Importance 3.4
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 4.9Level 5.7
- Education and TrainingImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- PsychologyImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
- AdministrativeImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
Show all 33
- Communications and MediaImportance 3.0Level 2.7
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- BiologyImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- MathematicsImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.9Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- GeographyImportance 1.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- ChemistryImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.4Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- TransportationImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.3Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.2Level —
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech RecognitionImportance 4.3Level 5.4Level 6 looks like: Understand a speech presented by someone with an unfamiliar accent
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
Show all 52
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 4.1
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Diagnose what's wrong with a car engine from its sound
- Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.8
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- OriginalityImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Auditory AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
- Speed of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Far VisionImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- VisualizationImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Number FacilityImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Static StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.1Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 4.8Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.7Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.6Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.3Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 4.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.2Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Processing InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 2.9
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 2.7
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.2Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.1Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
27 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (4)
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (23)
- Adobe Audition
- Apple Logic Pro
- Avaaz Innovations AphasiaMate
- Avaaz Innovations Computerized Speech Research Environment CSRE
- Avaaz Innovations Interactive Voice Analysis System IVANS
- Biofeedback software
- Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
- Dropbox
- ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources
- Email software
- KayPENTAX Multi-Speech
- KayPENTAX Nasometer
- Language analysis software
- Learning Fundamentals Speech Visualization
- Micro Video Voice Speech Training System
- Propeller Multimedia React2
- Signal analysis software
- Speech analysis software
- Tadpoles
- Text to speech software
- Web browser software
- Words+ E Z Keys for Windows
- YouTube
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Occupational Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +1.3, Management of Material Resources +1.0
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Nurse Midwives
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +0.8, Management of Material Resources +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Exercise Physiologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.8, Learning Strategies −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +1.0, Management of Material Resources +0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.4, Operations Analysis −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources +0.9, Mathematics +0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Analysis −1.6, Science −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Material Resources +1.2, Science −1.1
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.