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Communication Consultant, Language Therapist, Rehabilitation Services Practitioner, Speech Pathologist, Speech Therapist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) help clients restore or improve their ability to communicate or swallow. They assess, identify, diagnose, and provide intervention for communication and swallowing disorders. Communication disorders include issues related to speech, language, voice, and fluency. SLPs also help with cognitive communication disorders caused by injuries to parts of the brain that control a person’s ability to think.
Speech-language pathologists:
Speech-language pathologists may provide services for developmental or acquired conditions. This can include one-to-one therapy, group therapy, or consulting with parents and others. Goals vary depending on the situation and family needs. For instance, one client might need to learn to speak clearly enough to be understood. Another might need to relearn how to swallow after a stroke.
Speech-language pathologists may specialize in a specific disorder, such as stuttering. They may also specialize in a certain age group, such as preschool children. They often work in teams with other professionals. These can include:
Speech-language pathologists generally work standard weekday office hours. Some may work weekends or evenings.
They may have to travel to different settings such as:
Speech-language pathologists may provide virtual services when appropriate.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in administering tests and examinations and observing patients to diagnose and evaluate speech, voice, resonance, language, cognitive-linguistic and swallowing disorders
Interest in co-ordinating research programs; in conducting research on speech and other communication disorders and on the development and design of diagnostic procedures and devices; and in establishing group and personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
Interest in instructing patients by planning and implementing remedial programs to correct speech, language and voice disorders
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Speech-language pathologists need:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 45 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 10, 2022 and Nov 09, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 38 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 37 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 35 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 34 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 34 |
| Construction Specialization: Values and ethics | 34 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 33 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 33 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 32 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 32 |
Speech-language pathologists need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Universities and colleges throughout Alberta offer 4-year bachelor’s degree programs that provide suitable preparation for this program.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Other universities in Canada and the United States also offer masters’ programs in speech-language pathology.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Speech-language pathologists prevent, assess, diagnose, and provide counselling and rehabilitation for communication and swallowing disorders. They also teach, manage, and conduct research in the science and practice of speech-language pathology.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Speech-Language Pathologist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most speech-language pathologists work at:
Many speech-language pathologists work in programs that are publicly funded, such as:
Those who specialize in older age groups or neurological conditions may work in continuing-care facilities. Some work as researchers at hospitals, universities, or government agencies. Others manage speech and hearing programs.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
2016 NOC: 3141
96.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $36.74 | $50.18 | $42.68 | $41.58 |
| Overall | $42.10 | $59.07 | $52.47 | $53.35 |
| Top | $50.00 | $66.63 | $56.39 | $55.25 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $85,629 |
|---|---|
| Educational Services | $84,107 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $85,899 |
Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA) website: www.acslpa.ca
Alberta Speech-Language Association of Private Practitioners (ASAPP) website: asapp.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: hsaa.ca
Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) website: www.sac-oac.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
