Louisiana Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Guide - 2024

Speech Pathologist Programs

by Speech Pathologist Programs Staff

Updated: February 28th, 2024

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are in great demand in Louisiana since they are essential in treating people with speech and language difficulties. Over 1,000 SLPs were working in the state as of May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). SLPs make an annual median pay in Louisiana of $70,590 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2022), which is less than the national average of $89,460.

The need for SLPs in Louisiana is anticipated to expand over the next few years as a result of the state’s aging population, growing public awareness of speech and language impairments, and developments in medical technology. SLP salaries in Louisiana are anticipated to increase because to the state’s increasing need for them. Additionally, the BLS predicts that employment of SLPs is projected to grow 22.0% from 2020 to 2030, which is substantially faster than the average for all occupations.

SLP salaries in Louisiana vary depending on a number of variables, including experience, education, and region. Compared to SLPs with a bachelor’s degree and less experience, those with a master’s degree often make more money. Additionally, compared to SLPs working in rural regions, those employed in metropolitan locations like New Orleans and Baton Rouge typically make higher earnings.

A master’s degree in speech-language pathology and a licensure from the Louisiana Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology are requirements for becoming an SLP in Louisiana. In Louisiana, SLPs must also fulfill continuing education requirements to keep their licenses and be informed about industry changes.

In conclusion, SLPs are crucial to aiding people in Louisiana who have speech and language difficulties. SLPs in Louisiana should anticipate higher pay and more career prospects in the upcoming years due to the state’s expanding need for SLPs and the anticipated expansion in the sector. The income for SLPs in Louisiana varies depending on experience, education, and region, and those with a master’s degree and certain years of experience typically receive higher salaries.

Louisiana Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries – Visualized

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Industry in Louisiana

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in urban areas of Louisiana

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Alexandria, LA50$87,990
Baton Rouge, LA340$83,170
Hammond, LA40$78,440
Lake Charles, LA70$75,800
Monroe, LA60$76,200
New Orleans-Metairie, LA420$82,780
Shreveport-Bossier City, LA180$72,440
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in rural areas of Louisiana

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area60$106,430
Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area50$73,730
Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area30$86,040
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

What is it like to work as an SLP in Louisiana?

Depending on the city, working as a speech-language pathologist in Louisiana can differ. In New Orleans, speech-language pathologists can anticipate a bustling city with a high demand for their services due to the city’s enormous population and different communities. In Baton Rouge, the state capital, the need for SLPs is fueled by both the city’s vast population and its abundance of state government institutions. In Lafayette, there is an emphasis on providing services to rural and underserved populations, allowing SLPs to have a large influence in these places.

Each city presents SLPs with unique difficulties and opportunities. The huge and diverse population of New Orleans affords SLPs with a multitude of possibilities to deal with a variety of patients, but also obstacles linked to language hurdles and cultural differences. In Baton Rouge, the state capital, SLPs may have the opportunity to collaborate with state government agencies and groups, but they may also confront political hurdles. The emphasis on servicing rural and underserved communities in Lafayette brings both problems and possibilities in terms of access to care and resources.