Communication Sciences & Disorders

Employment Outlook

Expected Growth

Employment of speech-language pathologists and audiologists is expected to grow 21 to 35 percent through the year 2012. 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. Medical advances are also improving the survival rate of premature infants and trauma and stroke victims, who then need assessment and possible treatment. Many States now require that all newborns be screened for hearing loss and receive appropriate early intervention services.

In health services facilities, the impact of proposed Federal legislation imposing limits on reimbursement for therapy services may adversely affect the short-term job outlook for therapy providers. However, over the long run, the demand for therapists should continue to rise as growth in the number of individuals with disabilities or limited function spurs demand for therapy services.

Employment in educational services will increase along with growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments, including enrollment of special education students. 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.

The number of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in private practice will rise due to the increasing use of contract services by hospitals, schools, and nursing care facilities, as well as the increasing demand for direct services to individuals.

Earnings

Median annual earnings of speech-language pathologists were $49,450 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $39,930 and $60,190, with earnings as high as $74,010. Median annual earnings of audiologists were $48,400 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $39,510 and $58,430, with some earnings of more than $73,130.

According to a 2003 survey by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the median annual salary for full-time certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists who worked on a calendar-year basis, generally 11 or 12 months annually, was $48,000 and $52,000, respectively. For those who worked on an academic-year basis, usually 9 or 10 months annually, the median annual salary was $44,800 and $47,500 respectively.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition, Speech-Language Pathologists (www.bls.gov/oco/ocos099.htm) and Audiologists (www.bls.gov/oco/ocos085.htm).