Unlocking Financial Success as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant: A Comprehensive Guide

SIDE HUSTLES
Turn Your Skills into Extra Cash as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Author: Marc Andre
Last Updated: October 27, 2023

Are you trying to find ways to earn some extra cash, either part-time or full-time? The internet is full of ideas, but there’s one you may not have heard about: Becoming a Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA).

I spoke with Kathy, who in addition to her full-time social work job, makes a nice extra income as an SLPA. Though she had to work for her qualifications, she now enjoys a well-paid side job that she also genuinely enjoys—and it has a real, positive impact on others.

If you’re hunting for side gigs, this could be a great fit for you as well.

Get to Know Kathy

Kathy is a mother, a wife, and of course, a busy professional living on the west coast. Over the last few years, she’s become fascinated with personal finance. Like many of us, she and her husband made some financial mistakes when they were younger. But they turned things around, and even though they felt behind on their retirement savings, they discovered the Financial Independence/Retire Early (FIRE) movement and remain positive about their financial future.

What’s a Speech Language Pathology Assistant?

An SLPA is typically an assistant to a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and must work under their supervision. If you want to become an SLP, you’ll need a Master’s degree. However, becoming an SLPA just requires an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, some field placement experience for a license, and meeting some continuing education requirements.

Kathy’s Experience

When Kathy’s daughter was young, she took a break from her social work to run a family childcare business from home. After returning to social work, she found she missed working with young kids. Her sister-in-law, a speech therapist, suggested she consider the field. Kathy liked the idea but couldn’t afford to pause her career and enroll in a Master’s program. Instead, she got a second Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders online while continuing to work. Afterward, she took some extra classes and completed fieldwork to become an SLPA, all in two years.

Balancing Side Hustle and Regular Job

Today, alongside her rewarding social work job, she works part-time as an SLPA. She helps 5 to 6 kids per week and earns $65 per session. Each session lasts around 50 minutes. Despite the good pay, it can’t match the benefits of her regular job. Still, her boss surprises her with contributions to a SEP-IRA for her retirement savings!

The Pros and Cons

Kathy loves seeing non-verbal toddlers make progress and no longer needing speech therapy. She enjoys the flexible hours, fulfilling tasks, and generous pay. However, there can be hitches like clients not showing up for their appointments, exposing her to sick kids, or the unpredictability of working in different homes.

Steps to Becoming an SLPA

If you’re feeling interested in becoming an SLPA, firstly, talk to speech therapists or assistants to learn about the industry and even observe a few sessions. Then, check your state licensing board’s website for regional requirements. Look for schools where you can get the necessary education and experience—the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) website has a list of these. Remember, it is not about going to an expensive school. Focus on getting the degree, experience, and ensuring you can do a great job.

Being an SLPA could be a wonderful side hustle for someone who… “loves kids, is a go-getter, relishes variety, and enjoys assisting or teaching others (while getting a substantial pay as well.”