Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

Population growth, lengthening life spans, growing awareness of speech-language disorders (such as stuttering) in young children, and increased public awareness of the problems associated with communicative disorders indicate a highly favorable employment outlook for well-qualified personnel. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for speech-language pathologists will grow much faster than the average, 27 percent, and audiologists will grow by 16 percent, through 2028. Much of this growth depends on economic factors, additional funding by health care providers and third-party payers, and legal mandates requiring services for people with disabilities. Additionally, the Affordable Care Act has expanded the number of people who are eligible for insurance coverage for speech-language pathology or audiology services.

Many of the new jobs emerging through the end of the decade are expected to be in speech and hearing clinics, physicians' offices, and outpatient care facilities. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists will be needed in these places, for example, to carry out the increasing number of rehabilitation programs for stroke victims and patients with head injuries.

Substantial job growth will continue to occur in elementary and secondary schools because of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (which was renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and amended in 1990, 1997, and 2004). This law guarantees special education and related services to minors with disabilities.

The coronavirus pandemic has stalled job growth in many professions, but later in 2021, when the pandemic ends, demand will pick up for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Many new jobs will be created in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies; most of these openings will probably be filled by private practitioners employed on a contract basis. Opportunities for speech-language pathologists and audiologists in private practice should increase in the future. There should be a greater demand for consultant audiologists in the area of industrial and environmental noise as manufacturing and other companies develop and carry out noise-control programs. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists who are fluent in a foreign language (such as Spanish) should have especially strong employment prospects.