Speech-Language Pathologist vs. Occupational Therapist

Searching for a satisfying career that helps people enhance their health and quality of life? If so, working as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or occupational therapist (OT) may be promising career paths for you. As two of the leading professions in the healthcare industry, SLPs and OTs enjoy rewarding, well-paid careers—while making a lasting difference in the lives of their patients.¹,²

Both speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and occupational therapists (OTs) aim to improve the well-being of their patients. While there are similarities between the two career paths, there are also radical differences.³,⁴

Read on as we unpack the SLP vs. OT debate and discover the route that resonates with you.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

SLPs, or speech therapists, are licensed healthcare providers who aim to improve patients’ speech, language, and swallowing abilities.⁵ In some scenarios, this may also include assisting patients with oral complications, such as infants who have trouble swallowing or adults who have difficulty with vocalizing.⁶

Speech therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings—and with a wide range of individuals. This may include:⁷

• Stroke victims who need to relearn how to talk
• Children and adults who stutter or struggle with semantics and syntax
• Patients with autism, hearing loss or developmental delays

Ranked the 11th best career in the healthcare profession, SLPs work with individuals across the lifespan, from toddlers to teens to seniors, and have the opportunity to make an enduring impact on their patients.⁸

What is an Occupational Therapist?

OTs are also licensed healthcare providers who offer therapeutic support. However, they focus on a different aspect of therapy: The ability to perform essential daily activities, such as bathing, eating and getting dressed.⁹ OTs also assist individuals and their family members or caretakers with learning how to use adaptive equipment to make everyday tasks safer and more accommodating.

Like SLPs, OTs are employed in a variety of healthcare settings.¹⁰ Whether in a clinic or nursing home, OTs empower patients to take charge of their personal well-being and prepare caregivers to help them through this process. OTs also work with patients of all ages. This might mean helping:¹¹,¹²

• Seniors who may be prone to falls and accidents
• Patients with developmental delays
• Children and adults who have suffered from an injury

Occupational therapists fill a necessary gap between a physician’s diagnosis and the stress of daily living, and can help patients, regardless of their condition or illness, regain a sense of autonomy, power and independence.¹³

OT vs SLP: How Do They Compare?

Each profession provides a distinct way of helping individuals reach their full potential. If you’re fascinated by language and communication, then speech-language pathology may be a natural fit. You may consider occupational therapy if you’re interested in the mechanics of the human body and its capacity to adapt, relearn and heal.

When it comes to the occupational therapy vs. speech therapy debate, there are other key aspects to consider, including:

Salary

Both SLPs and OTs have a genuine desire to enrich the lives of others, but salary may be a consideration. Here’s how average salaries for SLPs and OTs compare:

• Speech-Language Pathologists – The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that SLPs earn a median income of $79,060 per year.¹⁴ SLPs who are employed in nursing care facilities and residential care settings earn a median income of $99,340 annually, while those who provide educational services earn about $75,270 per year.¹⁵ The type of medical facility they work in, the state where they practice, and their specialty can all impact an SLP’s salary.
• Occupational Therapists — OTs earn approximately $6,000 more than SLPs per year: Their median income is $85,570.¹⁶ OTs who work in home healthcare environments, for example, pull in a median salary of $98,700 annually.¹⁷

Education and Training

If you’re wrestling with the question of occupational therapy vs. speech therapy, remember that both require intense training—at didactic and clinical levels.

• Speech-Language Pathologist – SLPs typically need to earn a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP), a speech pathology degree program that takes about two years to complete.¹⁸ Then, they’ll apply for temporary licensure in their state and perform a clinical fellowship. This generally takes about 36 weeks (with a commitment of 35 hours per week).¹⁹ To earn state licensure, SLPs then need to pass the National Praxis exam in Speech-Language Pathology.²⁰ Some states may require additional certifications and credentials.²¹
• Occupational Therapist – OTs must be educated and trained at the graduate level as well, and typically must earn either a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).²² An MOT program takes about two years to complete; an OTD program generally requires approximately three years to finish.²³ Both programs prepare graduates to sit for the national examination for licensure—a test administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Finally, OTs need to be licensed in the state they choose to work, and each state has different requirements for continuing education.²⁴ OTs also have to complete supervised fieldwork to obtain licensure.²⁵

Occupational vs. Speech Therapy: Key Differences and Similarities

SLPs and OTs work in rehabilitation—both professions aim to improve the lives of their patients. Additionally, each role requires compassion, an eye for detail and strong communication skills.²⁶,²⁷

The key difference between the professions is their areas of concentration. While a speech-language pathologist focuses on complications with language, speaking and swallowing, an occupational therapist helps patients gain, or remediate, the skills they need to perform daily functions, regardless of their age, condition or injury.²⁸,²⁹

Simulation lab at USAHS’ new Dallas Campus

Discover the Right Healthcare Profession for You

Ultimately, your OT vs SLP decision will come down to your personal and professional goals. Both career paths boast a wealth of benefits, from the potential of promising salary to the opportunity to provide your patients with the skills that they need to flourish.

Fortunately, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) can help you further navigate this decision. Our graduate occupational therapy programs and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) are designed to help aspiring healthcare practitioners receive the continuing education and training they need to thrive.

Request information about our MS-SLP and OT programs and apply now to discover the right career path for you.

Sources:

1. U.S. News & World Report, “Speech-Language Pathologist,” U.S. News & World Report, last modified 2021, https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/speech-language-pathologist.
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