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First, some facts. Of the Speech Pathology graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 362 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 76%, Speech Pathology graduates have a higher likelihood (+9%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 75% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Speech Pathology graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 81% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Speech Pathology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONRegistered Behavior Technician Centria Healthcare Nov 2018 - Jul 2019 Speech Language Pathologist  EmpRes Healthcare Management, LLC Aug 2021 - Jun 2022 Speech Language Pathologist Sunbreak Therapy Services Jun 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeRocky Mountain University of Health Professions 2019 - 2021 ABOUTI am a Speech-Language Pathologist at a private practice clinic. I obtained my Masters degree in speech-language pathology from Rocky Mountain University of Health professions. I have a strong work ethic along with being highly motivated and organized. I focus on using evidence-based practice to provide the best care possible to all patients I work with. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After reviewing the diverse career paths of individuals who graduated with a degree in Speech Pathology, it becomes clear that many of them have pursued roles that are either directly relevant or entirely unrelated to their field of study. The most prevalent employment, unsurprisingly, is as Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), which directly utilize the extensive training these individuals received in communication disorders and therapeutic techniques. These roles often take place in various settings like schools, hospitals, and private practices, where graduates engage in assessing and treating patients with speech and language disorders, illustrating a strong correlation between their education and their professional roles.
However, a significant portion of graduates also found themselves in jobs that do not leverage their speech pathology training. For example, many individuals took roles in sales, customer service, or as general educators, jobs that, while benefiting from communication skills, do not apply the specialized knowledge from their degree. Additionally, some graduates have entered fields that align more with broader behavioral therapies or educational support roles rather than speech-specific positions. This phenomenon raises questions about the alignment of academic training with employment opportunities in the labor market for speech pathology graduates.
Ultimately, while many graduates are successfully navigating careers that utilize their speech pathology education effectively, several are diversifying into roles where speech pathology knowledge is merely a peripheral benefit. This suggests that the job market for speech pathology graduates is varied, offering both relevant and irrelevant career options. Therefore, it might be beneficial for new graduates to seek clarity about how they wish to apply their skills, ensuring their job choices align well with their educational background and aspirations in the field of speech pathology.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Speech Pathology graduates:
When analyzing the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in Speech Pathology, several interesting trends emerge regarding their initial employment, five-year, and ten-year career paths. After graduation, many speech pathology graduates often land roles that are closely related to their field, such as working as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or in supportive roles like school-based clinician internships and speech pathology assistants. However, there are notable exceptions, where graduates take on unrelated jobs like bartending, teaching assistant roles, or customer service positions, mainly due to market fluctuations or personal choices. For instance, the 2023 graduate from California State University, Fullerton started as a barista, reflecting a divergence from their academic training. This sets a tone for a reality that not all pathways in speech pathology lead directly into relevant roles.
As we expand the lens to five or ten years post-graduation, it becomes evident that a significant number of graduates typically stabilize into successful careers as licensed Speech-Language Pathologists. Many of them accumulate relevant experience through clinical fellowships or internships that then transition into permanent roles in hospitals, schools, or private practice settings. For instance, graduates from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Connecticut have successfully secured solid positions as SLPs, contributing to their communities and making meaningful impacts in patients' lives. Meanwhile, others who once started in unrelated fields generally seem to find their footing later, either by returning to academia or obtaining additional certifications to pivot back into speech pathology roles or related healthcare positions.
On the flip side, we also observe many individuals staying within health-adjacent sectors but not directly in speech pathology. Some alumni shift toward roles such as administrative positions, educators, or behavioral therapists, which, while not strictly SLP positions, still benefit from their foundational knowledge in communication disorders. This illustrates a broader reality for graduates: while a degree in speech pathology opens various doors, the journey after graduation can lead to a combination of rewarding roles that sometimes veer off the traditional SLP path. Overall, while many graduates thrive in speech pathology-related careers, there is still a notable portion who engage in various careers, showing the multifaceted nature of job opportunities available to those with this degree.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology can be a bit of a challenge, but it's not impossible! You’ll cover a lot of ground in terms of anatomy, psychology, and communication disorders, which can get pretty intense at times. The coursework can be demanding, especially if you're not used to science-heavy classes, but if you're passionate about the subject, it can be super rewarding! It's definitely not one of the easier degrees out there, but with some good study habits and a bit of determination, you can definitely manage it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Speech Pathology.
Looking at these Speech Pathology graduates, it seems like there’s quite a mix when it comes to their earning potential. Those who graduated more recently, like the one from California State University, Fullerton, are starting off with entry-level positions, which generally don't pay well, like working as a barista. On the flip side, some graduates from a few years back, like those from top-tier schools or with more experience, have moved into solid speech pathology roles where salaries can be relatively decent. For example, individuals who are established as Speech-Language Pathologists tend to earn a full-time wage that’s much better than starting positions.
Overall, while some graduates have found themselves in lucrative positions, particularly those who have been working for a few years or have taken on roles with additional responsibilities, many new grads still have a way to go. The caps on earning potential can be tighter at the start but hopefully, with experience and specialization in the field, those who stick with it will find the financial rewards they’re looking for down the line.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Speech Pathology. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Speech Pathology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Speech Pathology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Indiana University Bloomington
|
68 | 12 |