Virginia 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 aiding people who have trouble speaking and communicating. Speech-language pathologists are in high demand in Virginia, and this is reflected in the pay they receive.

The average annual wage for speech-language pathologists in Virginia is $97,940 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2022), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But the precise pay a speech-language pathologist might anticipate varies based on things like experience, education, and region. For instance, speech-language pathologists tend to make more money working in urban areas than they do in rural ones.

Additionally, compared to individuals with only a bachelor’s degree, speech-language pathologists with advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate degree, often make more money. Additionally, experience level affects pay, with more experienced speech-language pathologists receiving higher pay.

Overall, Virginia’s need for speech-language pathologists is anticipated to increase in the upcoming years as the state’s aging population and growing awareness of speech and language impairments drive up demand for these specialists. For those with a desire for assisting others in improving their communication abilities, a career as a speech-language pathologist in Virginia may be a satisfying and secure alternative due to the high demand and competitive compensation.

Virginia Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries – Visualized

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary by Industry in Virginia

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in urban areas of Virginia

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA40$70,400
Charlottesville, VA120$80,350
Harrisonburg, VA50$68,790
Lynchburg, VA80$76,490
Richmond, VA570$85,400
Roanoke, VA160$87,240
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC610$85,300
Winchester, VA-WV60$81,490
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

Speech-Language Pathologists Salaries in rural areas of Virginia

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area120$83,390
Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area80$84,280
Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area50$71,770
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area50$83,370
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2021

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

Depending on where you are, there are many different types of speech-language pathology jobs in Virginia. The three Virginian cities of Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Roanoke will be the focus of this article’s discussion of the variations in working as a speech-language pathologist in each location.

The largest city in Virginia, Richmond, serves as the state capitol. In addition to having a mix of urban and suburban life, it is also home to a sizable healthcare sector, which includes a number of hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Work with patients of all ages, including children, adults, and the elderly, as a speech-language pathologist in Richmond. Along with a solid network of nearby speech language pathologists to lean on, there are lots of chances for personal and professional development.

The stunning beaches and energetic boardwalk in the coastal city of Virginia Beach are well-known. Numerous schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities are located in this tourist-friendly city. You can anticipate working with a variety of patients in Virginia Beach as a speech-language pathologist, including young children, adults, and senior citizens. Working at educational institutions and the tourism sector may also be an option for you.

The city of Roanoke, which lies in the state’s west, is renowned for its mountainous landscape and options for outdoor leisure. Numerous hospitals and rehab facilities, in addition to an increasing number of schools, are located in the city. You can anticipate working with a variety of children and adults in Roanoke as a speech-language pathologist, including individuals who have communication problems because of illnesses. Speech-language pathologists in the region feel very connected to one another, and there are many opportunities for their careers to develop and expand.

Finally, speech-language pathologists will find that each of these Virginian cities presents an own set of opportunities and difficulties. Virginia has employment opportunities whether you choose to be in a busy city, a beach town, or a picturesque mountain area. The decision will ultimately come down to personal taste, career objectives, and the patient population you want to deal with.