Podiatrist vs speech pathologist

The differences between podiatrists and speech pathologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a podiatrist, becoming a speech pathologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a podiatrist has an average salary of $94,771, which is higher than the $62,640 average annual salary of a speech pathologist.

The top three skills for a podiatrist include patients, EMR and patient care. The most important skills for a speech pathologist are patients, language, and speech.

Podiatrist vs speech pathologist overview

	Podiatrist	Speech Pathologist
Yearly salary	$94,771	$62,640
Hourly rate	$45.56	$30.12
Growth rate	2%	21%
Number of jobs	16,003	22,779
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age	47	40
Years of experience	4	2

What does a podiatrist do?

As a podiatrist, the responsibility is to diagnose and advise treatment of minor or serious injuries and diseases of the feet, ankles, and the lower part of legs. They examine patient's leg and even perform surgeries concerning the foot and ankle, prescribing orthotics and step by step application of treatments for issues like arthritis, including fractures and calluses. They also review the patient's medical history and advice the patient's foot care. This role requires a doctoral degree and experience in a hospital or clinic.

What does a speech pathologist do?

The job of speech pathologists is to diagnose, treat, and prevent speech, social communication, language, swallowing, and cognitive-communication disorders in both children and adults. They are responsible for providing aural rehabilitation for people with hearing impairment and hearing loss, and alternative and augmentative systems for people with severe language comprehension disorders such as progressive neurological disorders and the autism spectrum. Speech pathologists may also work with individuals without language, swallowing, or speech disorders, but are eager to know how to communicate more effectively.

Podiatrist vs speech pathologist salary

Podiatrists and speech pathologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Podiatrist	Speech Pathologist
Average salary	$94,771	$62,640
Salary range	Between $49,000 And $181,000	Between $43,000 And $89,000
Highest paying City	Rockville, MD	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Maryland	Nevada
Best paying company	Baylor Scott & White Health	Mayo Clinic
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between podiatrist and speech pathologist education

There are a few differences between a podiatrist and a speech pathologist in terms of educational background:

	Podiatrist	Speech Pathologist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common major	Podiatric Medicine	Communication Disorders Sciences
Most common college	Kent State University	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Podiatrist vs speech pathologist demographics

Here are the differences between podiatrists' and speech pathologists' demographics:

	Podiatrist	Speech Pathologist
Average age	47	40
Gender ratio	Male, 39.9% Female, 60.1%	Male, 11.9% Female, 88.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 1.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Asian, 13.3% White, 73.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 4.9% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 4.5% White, 77.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	36%	6%

Differences between podiatrist and speech pathologist duties and responsibilities

Podiatrist example responsibilities.

Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
Utilize ultrasound, x-ray, casting, and orthotics.
Adhere to OSHA, CILA and HIPPA regulations.
Schedule appointments, register patients and verify patients' eligibility and claims status with insurance agencies.
Perform evaluations and treatments of patients with vascular, dermatological, orthopedic and neurological problems of the lower extremity.
Assist Dr.Guidice in office surgeries.

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Speech pathologist example responsibilities.

Manage staff development activities including sensory integration and IEP goal writing.
Provide speech and language therapy under the supervision and guidance of assign SLP supervisor.
Administer and interpreting diagnostic evaluations on children with a variety of speech and language disorders in an out-patient facility.
Develop specific treatment plans and family education plans for rehabilitation patients in anticipation of discharge home or to appropriate rehabilitation facilities.
Participate as a member of the acute care and outpatient rehabilitation team in diagnostic and therapeutic services to neurologically impair adults.
Develop policies and procedures to secure Medicare and Medicaid provider numbers.

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Podiatrist vs speech pathologist skills

Common podiatrist skills

Patients, 32%
EMR, 16%
Patient Care, 11%
Medical Care, 6%
Ankle, 4%
Test Results, 4%

Common speech pathologist skills

Patients, 18%
Language, 17%
Speech, 17%
Patient Care, 8%
Rehabilitation, 7%
Home Health, 6%

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Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Podiatrist
Podiatrist vs Speech Pathologist

Updated January 8, 2025

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