Explore career options in speech pathology
Here you can find information on the types of careers and employment roles a speech pathology degree may land you.
You can also discover where to look for job vacancies, as well as professional associations, mentoring and international opportunities.
Opportunities
Upon completion of the Master of Speech Pathology, you will be eligible for membership of Speech Pathology 色情网站 to practice as a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist. You will possess the skills and knowledge to:
- study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speech, language, fluency and voice
- work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia and hearing loss
- assist people who experience difficulties swallowing food and drink safely.
Career fields
- Hospitals (private and public)
- Community and rehabilitation centres
- Aged care services
- Schools (early childhood centres to high school)
- Private practice
- Mental health services
- Disability support services
- Youth justice
Employment settings
- Queensland Health
- Department of Education
- Department of Youth Justice
- Autism Queensland
- AEIOU Foundation
- CPL – Choice, Passion, Life
- Uniting Health Care
Occupation snapshot
Employed
11,000
Future demand
Very strong
Weekly earnings
$1,110
Part-time share
44%
This data is based on the occupation profile for speech pathologists retrieved from the Government's website and websites July 2024.
Your employability
In addition to knowledge and skills directly related to your program of study, you will also develop a range of other skills such as teamwork, analytical, communication through academic study, employment, voluntary work, sporting and recreational activities and life experience.
Recognising the value employers place on these skills is an important factor in your graduate job search. You can further develop your employability with these resources:
Vacancies
Information on relevant vacancies can be found in a wide range of sources:
- (formerly Grad 色情网站)
Job application resources
Craft a stand-out resume and cover letter, and learn how to prepare for job interviews.
Approach potential employers
Many work opportunities are not advertised, so we recommend approaching potential employers with the aim of researching their needs and how your skills, experience, interests and qualifications could match theirs.
This is called informational interviewing and will benefit you by:
- clarifying your specific career direction
- enhancing your professional network
- increasing your chances of being offered a job.
Industry outlook
The website includes helpful information such as job descriptions, employment prospects, average weekly earnings and skills requirements. Every job title in the database has a skills section to help you identify and describe essential skills for your future career.
The website also has job descriptions and a useful career insight section.
The website has up-to-date information on graduate salaries, especially the Graduate Outlook Survey (GOS) National Report, which contains undergraduate salary figures.
More detailed information is available at the portal.
Career spotlight: Kiera McClelland
Master of Speech Pathology alumnus Kiera McClelland works as a speech pathologist in Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula and says the program's placement opportunities provided a solid foundation for her career.
“Being able to complete my final prac placement on Thursday Island was a stepping stone to my first role with the Aboriginal Medical Service on the Cape, which has brought me to where I am now," she says.
Professional associations
Joining a professional association is a great way to interact with people in your field who can assist you to explore your career options and potentially find employment opportunities. These associations hold regular professional development and networking events:
Students are welcome to join and often receive a discount on their membership.
Mentoring
The award-winning Industry Mentoring Program provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your employability and build professional networks.
The program is available to students with more than 80CP as well as recent graduates.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) and is committed to promoting decent work and economic growth, advancing the principles of responsible and sustainable consumption and production, and advocating for peace, justice, and resilient institutional frameworks.
Further careers information
Careers counselling
Individual career counselling sessions are available to all current students and recent graduates.
You can book an initial appointment via CareerHub.
Career planning
Our website has an array of career planning resources you can explore at any stage of your student journey.
Career Readiness
Check out our Career Readiness site in Learning@Griffith for additional information and resources for your career development learning:
Similar career outcomes
Please note: The content on this webpage is a guide only. Please refer to degree-specific information and accreditation requirements of your profession on the Degree and Course Finder website and with the relevant professional accreditation body for your degree.