Reading specialist vs speech language pathologist

The differences between reading specialists and speech language pathologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a speech language pathologist has an average salary of $62,340, which is higher than the $57,978 average annual salary of a reading specialist.

The top three skills for a reading specialist include language arts, student learning and assessment data. The most important skills for a speech language pathologist are patients, SLP, and speech-language pathology.

Reading specialist vs speech language pathologist overview

	Reading Specialist	Speech Language Pathologist
Yearly salary	$57,978	$62,340
Hourly rate	$27.87	$29.97
Growth rate	4%	21%
Number of jobs	2,386	25,617
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age	43	40
Years of experience	-	2

What does a reading specialist do?

Reach truck operators are responsible for safely using reach trucks (forklifts). They operate their reach truck to load, move, and unload new warehouse or sizeable retail store materials. Operators will need various mechanical and communication skills, as well as good visual acuity. Obtaining the proper licensure and understanding the safety protocols involved with heavy machinery is important to the job.

What does a speech language pathologist do?

A speech-language pathologist specializes in diagnosing disorders in speech, language, and communication among children and adults. They are also responsible for devising and providing suitable treatments and therapeutic solutions that would improve a patient's condition. With each case varying from the rest, a speech-language pathologist must conduct an extensive assessment, research, analysis, and observation. Aside from providing treatments, a speech-language pathologist can also supervise other personnel in the same field, engage in various programs to share expertise, and provide consultations.

Reading specialist vs speech language pathologist salary

Reading specialists and speech language pathologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Reading Specialist	Speech Language Pathologist
Average salary	$57,978	$62,340
Salary range	Between $43,000 And $76,000	Between $43,000 And $89,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	California
Best paying company	Central State University	Northeastern University
Best paying industry	Education	Professional

Differences between reading specialist and speech language pathologist education

There are a few differences between a reading specialist and a speech language pathologist in terms of educational background:

	Reading Specialist	Speech Language Pathologist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common major	Elementary Education	Communication Disorders Sciences
Most common college	Northwestern University	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Reading specialist vs speech language pathologist demographics

Here are the differences between reading specialists' and speech language pathologists' demographics:

	Reading Specialist	Speech Language Pathologist
Average age	43	40
Gender ratio	Male, 13.3% Female, 86.7%	Male, 8.9% Female, 91.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 3.6% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 4.5% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	8%	6%

Differences between reading specialist and speech language pathologist duties and responsibilities

Reading specialist example responsibilities.

Assist children on the autism spectrum academically and socially to achieve integration into a mainstream educational environment.
Coordinate and direct the annual drama production.
Provide direct services to the RTI students through the best guide reading practices.
Coordinate and execute all festive cultural events for families of students in grades k-12.
Organize school-wide educational events and activities specific to the needs of children with autism.
Review basics of writing essays, discussion of reading selection, and development of writing skills.

Speech language pathologist example responsibilities.

Plan and provide speech therapy services to preschool and elementary school children with autism, communication disorders and developmental disabilities.
Offer speech therapy services in schools k-12 grade.
Perform tasks prescribe, direct, and supervise by ASHA certify speech language pathologist.
Diagnose, assess and provide treatment in private practice for kids of all ages presenting a language delays.
Act as primary liaison between administrative staff, rehabilitation managers, multidisciplinary team members and SLP staff.
Provide formal evaluation of communication, cognitive-linguistic, and swallowing deficits for both short term rehabilitation patients and long term residents.

Reading specialist vs speech language pathologist skills

Common reading specialist skills

Language Arts, 6%
Student Learning, 5%
Assessment Data, 5%
K-8, 4%
Staff Development, 4%
Instructional Strategies, 4%

Common speech language pathologist skills

Patients, 19%
SLP, 17%
Speech-Language Pathology, 13%
Rehabilitation, 10%
Home Health, 8%
Patient Care, 6%

Reading Specialist vs. similar jobs

Reading Specialist related careers

Reading Specialist related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Education, Training, and Library Industry
Reading Specialist
Reading Specialist vs Speech Language Pathologist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse education, training, and library jobs