Teachers and speech language pathologists (SLPs), also known as speech therapists, share many characteristics and skills. Individuals in each profession are typically compassionate and have a desire to help others. Because of an existing overlap in traits, teachers can become effective SLPs.

Making this mid-life career change to speech pathology often requires additional coursework. But for SLPs like Kristin Immicke, who works at a special ed co-op in Texas, switching her career to speech pathology was worth it.

“I have never once regretted my decision to leave teaching to become an SLP,” Immicke shared via email.

Teachers decide to switch from teaching to speech pathology for many reasons. Compared to teaching, speech language pathologists typically have more steady hours. They don’t have to stay after school grading student papers. This position reduces stress and pressure surrounding standardized test scores. Additionally, remote work options are growing, as some SLPs provide virtual services through telepractice.

Kristin Immicke thought she’d teach forever. But after her first five years in the classroom, she began rethinking her career choice. It wasn’t the actual teaching of lessons or the students that led to her desire for change. Those were aspects of teaching she enjoyed. The lack of time to get everything done in the classroom, and the constant emphasis on test performance caused burn out. Teaching to the test is not what she envisioned.

Because of her passion for helping students, Kristin knew she wanted to stay in the school setting. She started researching what other options were available. This led her to investigate speech therapy. The more she learned about speech pathology, the more she felt like it was what she wanted to do. After doing more research, she began moving into a career in speech therapy, a decision she believes was a rewarding one.

“I love being a part of the school setting. I love helping students and being a part of their education. I get to work with students of all ages and abilities,” Immicke said.

School-based speech language pathologists like Immicke focus on speech and language disorders in children. In general, SLPs evaluate students for speech, language, or swallowing difficulties, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). After evaluation, SLPs develop appropriate treatment plans for students who need extra help. Then the SLP works with classroom teachers and other school staff members to implement the plan. They also communicate with parents, working as a team to support the student.

An SLP’s job varies throughout the day as they meet with individual students or small groups. Their work could include helping students with speech impediments such as a lisp, stuttering, or dyslexia. They may help students adjust to speaking after getting braces or overcome challenges due to an overbite or underbite. They spend time completing required paperwork and preparing for upcoming sessions.

Speech language pathologists help students succeed. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association emphasizes that SLPs try to prevent academic failure for students with communication disorders. As a part of their role, they must gather and interpret data about the treatment plans so they can make data-driven decisions.

In 2018, there were about 153,700 SLP jobs. These included speech therapists in schools, medical facilities, and private clinics, along with self-employed speech therapists. Altogether, 40% of SLP jobs in 2018 were based in educational settings. These include jobs in state, local, and private school settings. Some SLPs must travel between multiple schools or facilities. While larger districts may have both an elementary school-based speech pathologist and a high school speech therapist, many smaller districts do not.

The BLS reports that speech language pathologist employment is growing much faster than average for all occupations. This field is projected to grow 27% between 2018 and 2028. Because of the projected growth, speech pathology is a wise career choice.

In 2018, SLPs earned a median salary of $77,510, according to 2018 BLS data. The BLSfurther breaks this down by placement. Speech language pathologists in residential care facilities top the chart. They have an average annual salary of $94,680. Child speech therapists in the school setting are at the other end of the scale, earning a median salary of $68,270 a year.

The average annual salary of speech pathologists is more than the average annual salary of teachers. SLPs often earn about $10,000 more each year than the teachers they work with. However, this pay can vary depending on the salary schedule of a specific location.

Speech therapists who leave the school setting have the potential to earn even more.