Salary Benchmarking for Voice-Specialized Speech-Language Pathologists

Purpose: This study aimed to understand how salaries of voice and upper airway–specialized speech-language pathologists (SLPs) differ from medical SLPs based on prevailing wage data and to give clinicians resources to better negotiate their salary and benefits. Method: A nationwide survey of voice-specialized SLPs was disseminated via various online platforms including American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Group 3, Instagram, voice-specialized Facebook groups, and e-mail. Data were collected via REDCap. The survey investigates SLPs' salary, benefits, experience, clinical responsibilities, and profit generated through Current Procedural Terminology codes. Two separate analyses were completed. First, annual salary, as reported by participants, was compared against annual salary, as estimated by prevailing wage data. Second, a multiple regression driver analysis was completed to identify significant predictors of wage level within our sample. Outliers in the sample were removed using the Difference in Fits procedure. Results: A total of 111 participant surveys were included for analysis. Our data demonstrate that, between participant data and prevailing wage data, salaries for voice and upper airway disorders (VUAD) SLPs are significantly higher in the West, Midwest, and Southern regions. There is no significant difference in the Northeast. Several factors proved statistically significant predictors of increased salaries including years of work ( p ≤ .0001), cost of living ( p = .0030), and work in multidisciplinary setting ( p = .0223). Conclusions: As practitioners navigate negotiations for equitable compensation, leveraging localized salary data and emphasizing the value of specialized expertise may prove instrumental. Moreover, advocating for employer-sponsored professional development opportunities and benefits can enhance the overall well-being and professional satisfaction of VUAD SLPs, ensuring optimal delivery of care within this specialized field.