Speech-Language Pathologists

AUTOMATION RISK
CALCULATED
8%
risk level
POLLING
18.6%
Based on 180 votes
LABOR DEMAND
GROWTH
21.3%
by 2031
WAGES
$84,140
or $40.45 hourly
VOLUME
162,760
as of 2022
SUMMARY
JOB SCORE
8.6/10

Automation risk

8% (Minimal Risk)

Minimal Risk (0-20%): Occupations in this category have a low probability of being automated, as they typically demand complex problem-solving, creativity, strong interpersonal skills, and a high degree of manual dexterity. These jobs often involve intricate hand movements and precise coordination, making it difficult for machines to replicate the required tasks.

More information on what this score is, and how it is calculated is available here.

Some very important qualities of the job are difficult to automate:

  • Assisting and Caring for Others

  • Social Perceptiveness

Some quite important qualities of the job are difficult to automate:

  • Originality

User poll

18.6% chance of full automation within the next two decades

Our visitors have voted that there is very little chance of this occupation being replaced. This assessment is further supported by the calculated automation risk level, which estimates 8% chance of automation.

What do you think the risk of automation is?

What is the likelihood that this occupation will be replaced by robots or AI in the next 20 years?






Growth

Very fast growth relative to other professions

The number of 'Speech-Language Pathologists' job openings is expected to rise 21.3% by 2031

Total employment, and estimated job openings

* Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the period between 2021 and 2031.
Updated projections are due Sep 2023.

Wages

High paid relative to other professions

In 2022, the median annual wage for 'Speech-Language Pathologists' was $84,140, or $40.45 per hour

'Speech-Language Pathologists' were paid 81.7% higher than the national median wage, which stood at $46,310

Wages over time

* Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Volume

Greater range of job opportunities compared to other professions

As of 2022 there were 162,760 people employed as Speech-Language Pathologists within the United States.

This represents around 0.11% of the employed workforce across the country.

Put another way, around 1 in 908 people are employed as Speech-Language Pathologists.

Job description

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.

SOC Code: 29-1127.00

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Comments

A Grad Student Who Knows Nothing But is Surprised at How Many Voted We Can Be Automated (No chance) says
Our field is more than just a speech teacher. We work with the foundations of functional and cognitive communication with all ages. We have to know the brain, it's structures, and how they can affect speech, language, and communication. Patients in our care have the right to have a way to communicate with others whether they have severe language disorders or aphasia (aka. the lack of functional language). Nothing automated can replace the skill or the strategies we provide, nor anything that the rest of the medical/healthcare team can provide.
Nov 24, 2021 at 03:08 AM
no name says
I spent a significant time as a child around Speech Pathologists. Robots cannot compare in terms of high levels of emotional IQ, trying out things in new ways/on the spot thinking, and working with kids.
Oct 25, 2020 at 05:48 PM

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