Speech-Language Pathologists
SOC Code: 29-1127 Job Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Speech-Language Pathologists. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $96,200 | $115,606 | $134,992 | $154,398 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $89,398 | $107,349 | $125,299 | $143,250 |
| Boulder, CO | $90,646 | $107,890 | $125,154 | $142,397 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $93,059 | $108,784 | $124,530 | $140,254 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $77,272 | $98,051 | $118,810 | $139,589 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $94,370 | $109,242 | $124,093 | $138,965 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $82,077 | $99,798 | $117,541 | $135,262 |
| Napa, CA | $84,656 | $101,275 | $117,894 | $134,514 |
| Salinas, CA | $95,846 | $108,638 | $121,430 | $134,222 |
| Pueblo, CO | $84,032 | $100,672 | $117,312 | $133,952 |
H-1B Filing Data
Top H-1B Employers
| Employer | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| PRISTINE REHAB CARE, LLC | 283 | $751,426 |
| The Stepping Stones Group LLC | 204 | $85,318 |
| SpEd Therapy Services, Inc. | 85 | $96,783 |
| BMR Health Services, Inc. | 69 | $98,168 |
| EDTHEORY LLC | 69 | $107,433 |
| EDTHEORY, LLC | 62 | $95,393 |
| BILINGUALS INC. | 23 | $65,579 |
| San Jose Unified School District | 20 | $77,254 |
| Ascend Rehab Services, Inc | 16 | $85,437 |
| INTERFACE REHAB INC. | 14 | $111,429 |
Filing Trend
| Year | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 63 | $87,431 |
| 2021 | 92 | $84,403 |
| 2022 | 75 | $84,419 |
| 2023 | 192 | $86,822 |
| 2024 | 361 | $87,733 |
| 2025 | 431 | $534,112 |
| 2026 | 63 | $96,463 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.1 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 4.1 | |
| Active Listening | 4.1 | |
| Critical Thinking | 4.1 | |
| Learning Strategies | 4.0 | |
| Speaking | 4.0 | |
| Writing | 4.0 | |
| Monitoring | 3.9 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.9 | |
| Instructing | 3.9 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| English Language | 4.9 |
| Education and Training | 4.2 |
| Psychology | 4.0 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 4.0 |
| Therapy and Counseling | 4.0 |
| Administrative | 3.6 |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 3.2 |
| Medicine and Dentistry | 3.1 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 88.5% |
| Post-doctoral training | 11.5% |
Typical Tasks
- Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
- Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
- Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
- Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
- Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
- Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
- Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
- Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Word eClinicalWorks EHR software Adobe Audition Apple Logic Pro Avaaz Innovations AphasiaMate Avaaz Innovations Computerized Speech Research Environment CSRE Avaaz Innovations Interactive Voice Analysis System IVANS Biofeedback software Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor Dropbox ELR Software eLr Extra Language Resources Email software KayPENTAX Multi-Speech
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