North Carolina Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Guide - 2024

Speech Pathologist Programs

by Speech Pathologist Programs Staff

Updated: February 28th, 2024

Speech therapists, usually referred to as speech-language pathologists, are essential in assisting people with communication problems to develop their speaking, listening, and comprehension abilities. Speech-language pathologists are in great demand in North Carolina as a result of the state’s aging population growth and growing understanding of the value of speech therapy.

In North Carolina, speech-language pathologists typically make roughly $77,130 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2022) a year, while some of those with extensive expertise can make up to $102,390. The real pay, however, might differ depending on a variety of variables, including the number of years of experience, the degree of education, the company type, and the region.

In North Carolina, a large number of speech-language pathologists work in public schools, assisting students with speech and language impairments to succeed in the classroom. Others support patients with speech and language challenges brought on by neurological diseases or other health issues in healthcare settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.

In North Carolina, speech-language pathologists can choose to work in private practice, where they have more control over their schedules and frequently make more money. However, choosing this route also entails more duties, such handling finances and advertising their offerings.

In conclusion, North Carolina has a significant demand for speech-language pathologists and offers a good compensation and a range of job settings. It is understandable that the sector continues to draw more people given the meaningful and lucrative career assisting others.

North Carolina Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries – Visualized

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Industry in North Carolina

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in urban areas of North Carolina

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Asheville, NC290$67,820
Burlington, NC70$67,360
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC1,080$75,870
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC370$72,570
Fayetteville, NC160$70,280
Goldsboro, NC30$62,110
Greensboro-High Point, NC520$75,140
Greenville, NC200$76,050
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC140$71,360
Jacksonville, NC40$70,720
New Bern, NC90$69,270
Raleigh, NC710$72,360
Rocky Mount, NC50$75,860
Wilmington, NC150$74,900
Winston-Salem, NC300$72,430
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in rural areas of North Carolina

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Southeast Coastal North Carolina nonmetropolitan area230$69,180
Northeast Coastal North Carolina nonmetropolitan area100$66,890
Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area320$71,860
Mountain North Carolina nonmetropolitan area110$70,190
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

What is it like to work as an SLP in North Carolina?

One might anticipate a pleasant and fulfilling career as a speech-language therapist working to improve the speaking, listening, and comprehension abilities of people with communication problems. SLPs in North Carolina have the choice to work in a range of settings, including public schools, healthcare facilities, and private practices. Here is a possible description of what it may be like to work as a speech-language pathologist in three different state cities.

Charlotte: Speech-language pathologists might find a lively and varied work environment in Charlotte, the biggest city in North Carolina. In addition to the city’s numerous hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, speech therapy services are in high demand in the city’s public schools as well. In Charlotte, speech-language pathologists can anticipate to make an additional 5 to 10 % more than the state average.

Raleigh: Raleigh, the capital of the state, is a center for healthcare and education and provides speech-language pathologists with a variety of career options. Speech therapy services are in great demand in Raleigh’s nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities due to the city’s aging population. The city is also home to a number of universities, giving speech-language pathologists job opportunities in both research and education.

Greenville: A smaller city in North Carolina, Greenville offers a more laid-back and intimate setting for speech-language pathologists. Greenville, although being a smaller city, has a robust healthcare industry, with several hospitals and rehabilitation facilities in need of speech therapy services. The city also boasts a number of public schools, which gives speech-language pathologists the chance to work with children and teenagers.

In conclusion, the city in which a speech-language pathologist chooses to work can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Speech-language pathologists have the opportunity to customize their work to their own interests and ambitions thanks to the variety of opportunities and difficulties that each area offers.