Minnesota Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Guide - 2024

Speech Pathologist Programs

by Speech Pathologist Programs Staff

Updated: February 28th, 2024

SLPs, or speech-language pathologists, are essential in the lives of people who struggle with communication issues like stuttering, articulation problems, and hearing loss. Due to an aging population and the rising prevalence of communication difficulties in Minnesota, SLPs are in high demand. The average yearly pay for SLPs in Minnesota is $81,990 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2022), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Based on a number of variables, including experience, education, and geography, SLP salaries in Minnesota might vary. Compared to SLPs with years of experience, new SLPs with less experience often make less money. In comparison to SLPs with only a Bachelor’s degree, those with advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology, might anticipate earning a greater pay. Salary levels can also be influenced by the cost of living and the demand for SLPs, with certain cities paying more because there is a greater need for their services.

Many SLPs in Minnesota enjoy perks including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans in addition to a competitive pay. To help SLPs stay current with the most recent developments in the field, some employers might also provide opportunities for continuing education.

A master’s degree program in speech-language pathology, a clinical fellowship year, and passing a national exam are all requirements for becoming an SLP in Minnesota. SLPs in the state must be licensed, and the Minnesota Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists is in charge of making sure they have the required education and training.

As a result of an aging population and the rising frequency of communication impairments, SLPs are in great demand in Minnesota and serve a crucial role in assisting people who are having trouble communicating. A career in speech-language pathology can be satisfying and enjoyable for people with a love for helping others, with a typical annual pay of $81,990 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2022) and a range of benefits.

Minnesota Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries – Visualized

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Industry in Minnesota

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in urban areas of Minnesota

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Duluth, MN-WI140$72,480
Mankato-North Mankato, MN70$71,700
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI2,410$80,070
Rochester, MN200$75,650
St. Cloud, MN120$77,320
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in rural areas of Minnesota

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area190$70,180
Northeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area30$72,410
Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area110$72,260
Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area140$67,930
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

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

It can be both rewarding and tough to work as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in Minnesota. Depending on the city where one works, the experience of being an SLP can differ drastically. A study at three Minnesota communities’ SLP employment situations is provided below:

Minneapolis: The largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis is well-known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. SLPs in Minneapolis may have the chance to work in a range of settings, including schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities, and can anticipate working with a diverse population. Minneapolis offers an engaging and dynamic work environment for SLPs despite having a higher cost of living than some other Minnesotan cities.

St. Paul: St. Paul is a well-liked vacation spot for families and is well-known for its attractive neighborhoods and parks. SLPs in St. Paul can anticipate working with a mixture of urban and suburban populations and might have the chance to do so in settings like schools, clinics, and home health care. Compared to Minneapolis, St. Paul has lower housing costs, and the city provides SLPs with a laid-back and welcoming work environment.

Duluth: Duluth is a lakeside city on Lake Superior’s beaches that is renowned for its outdoor recreation opportunities. SLPs in Duluth might anticipate working with a mixture of urban and rural populations and might find employment in educational institutions, medical practices, and nursing homes. Duluth is an excellent alternative for SLPs who prefer a slower-paced work environment surrounded by natural beauty because it has a lower cost of living than Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The experience of working as an SLP in Minnesota might, therefore, be very different depending on the city in which one lives. SLPs can find unique work environments and opportunities in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, and each of these cities has a different mix of cost of living, employment possibilities, and standard of living. SLPs in Minnesota can anticipate having a successful and fulfilling career because they are essential in helping people overcome communication barriers, regardless of the city.