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Speech language pathologist vs teacher

The differences between speech language pathologists and teachers 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 $47,989 average annual salary of a teacher.

The top three skills for a speech language pathologist include patients, SLP and speech-language pathology. The most important skills for a teacher are ESL, handle scheduling, and kids.

Speech language pathologist vs teacher overview

Speech Language PathologistTeacher
Yearly salary$62,340$47,989
Hourly rate$29.97$23.07
Growth rate21%4%
Number of jobs25,61771,918
Job satisfaction-4.14
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4042
Years of experience2-

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.

What does a teacher do?

Being a teacher is one of the most passionate professions, among others. Teachers educate, motivate, and guide every generation of learners to prepare them for the real world. Every teacher is unique and has their own teaching styles and methods depending on the subject they teach and the age of their students. Oftentimes they also function as a parent, counselor, coach, friend, and even a lawmaker. There is essentially no limit to the roles a teacher portrays.

Speech language pathologist vs teacher salary

Speech language pathologists and teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Speech Language PathologistTeacher
Average salary$62,340$47,989
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $89,000Between $32,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityRedwood City, CABaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMaryland
Best paying companyNortheastern UniversityKing Low Heywood Thomas
Best paying industryProfessionalEducation

Differences between speech language pathologist and teacher education

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

Speech Language PathologistTeacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorCommunication Disorders SciencesElementary Education
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of Pennsylvania

Speech language pathologist vs teacher demographics

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

Speech Language PathologistTeacher
Average age4042
Gender ratioMale, 8.9% Female, 91.1%Male, 25.7% Female, 74.3%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 3.7% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage6%9%

Differences between speech language pathologist and teacher duties and responsibilities

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.
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Teacher example responsibilities.

  • Work closely with co-teacher to manage and co-teach curriculum to a large group.
  • Target at risk and high achieving students using levele readers and DRA strategies.
  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Develop social studies and geography curriculum.
  • Provide kindergarten readiness in approaching phonemic awareness, phonics, and introductory math skills.
  • Attend and participate in ESL professional development activities, conferences/workshops, curriculum/program planning, & special events and activities.
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Speech language pathologist vs teacher skills

Common speech language pathologist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • SLP, 17%
  • Speech-Language Pathology, 13%
  • Rehabilitation, 10%
  • Home Health, 8%
  • Patient Care, 6%
Common teacher skills
  • ESL, 17%
  • Handle Scheduling, 15%
  • Kids, 12%
  • Classroom Management, 7%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Curriculum Development, 4%

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