Speech-language pathology (SLP) is the ninth highest-paying profession for women according to a recent article published on Forbes.com, says a statement issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Rockville, Md.
Based on a 2008 analysis from the Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, the article notes that the median yearly earnings for SLPs are $58,448. The speech-language pathology profession was the only occupation on the list reported by Forbes that showed no gender pay gap, says the statement.
More than 115,000 SLPs belong to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 135,000 professionals in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders. SLPs evaluate, diagnose, and treat speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They work in various settings such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing care facilities, and in private practice.
Speech-language pathology is expected to grow faster than average through the year 2014, says ASHA. Members of the baby boom generation are now entering middle age, when the possibility of neurological disorders and associated speech, language, swallowing, and hearing impairments increases—disorders most often treated by professionals in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practice.
Employment in educational services will also increase along with growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments, including enrollment of special education students, says ASHA. Federal law guarantees special education and related services to all eligible children with disabilities. Greater awareness of the importance of early identification and diagnosis of speech, language, swallowing, and hearing disorders will also increase employment, says ASHA.
[Source: ASHA]
