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Communicative Disorders Assistant Jobs in Arizona

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Communicative Disorders Assistant information

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$9

$30

$66

How much do communicative disorders assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for communicative disorders assistant in Arizona is $30.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.04 and $32.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Communicative Disorders Assistant vs Speech-Language Pathology Assistant?

AspectCommunicative Disorders AssistantSpeech-Language Pathology Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires a certificate or associate degree, sometimes certificationRequires an associate degree and certification or licensure in some states
Work EnvironmentSchools, clinics, hospitals under supervisionClinics, hospitals, schools under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in educational and healthcare settings for supporting speech-language pathologistsCommonly employed in healthcare and educational settings assisting speech-language pathologists

Both roles support speech-language pathologists and work in similar environments, often under supervision. The main difference lies in certification requirements and job titles used across states and employers. The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant typically has more formal certification and a broader scope of practice compared to the Communicative Disorders Assistant.

What does a communication disorder assistant do?

A communication disorder assistant supports speech-language pathologists by helping implement therapy plans, working with clients on speech and language exercises, and documenting progress. They often work in clinical or educational settings and may require certification or training in communication disorders. Their role involves assisting with assessments and providing support to improve clients' communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Communicative Disorders Assistant, and why are they important?

To excel as a Communicative Disorders Assistant, you need a diploma or degree in communicative disorders or a related field, along with a solid understanding of speech, language, and communication development. Familiarity with assessment tools, therapy materials, and documentation software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and effective teamwork are crucial for supporting clients and collaborating with speech-language pathologists. These abilities ensure that clients receive effective, individualized care and support, enhancing their communication abilities and overall quality of life.

What is a Communicative Disorders Assistant?

A Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) is a trained professional who works under the supervision of speech-language pathologists or audiologists to help assess, treat, and support individuals with communication, speech, language, and hearing disorders. CDAs assist in implementing therapy programs, preparing materials, and documenting client progress. While they play a vital supportive role, they do not diagnose disorders or develop treatment plans independently. Their work helps increase the efficiency and reach of communication and hearing services in various settings such as schools, clinics, and hospitals.

What are some common challenges faced by Communicative Disorders Assistants when supporting clients with diverse communication needs?

Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs) often work with clients from a wide range of backgrounds and with various types of communication challenges, such as speech, language, or hearing disorders. One common challenge is adapting therapy materials and techniques to suit each individual's unique needs and progress. CDAs must also maintain clear communication with supervising Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to ensure consistency in treatment plans. Additionally, managing a busy caseload while documenting client progress accurately can be demanding, but strong organizational and interpersonal skills help CDAs succeed in this role.

Is it hard to become an SLP assistant?

Becoming a Communicative Disorders Assistant typically requires a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in communication sciences or a related field. The role involves understanding speech and language therapy techniques, and some positions may require certification or supervised experience, but it generally has fewer educational requirements than becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist.

What can I do with a CSD degree?

A degree in communicative disorders (CSD) prepares individuals for roles such as a Communicative Disorders Assistant, where they support speech-language pathologists by conducting assessments, implementing therapy plans, and documenting progress. This field often requires certification or licensure and involves working in clinical, educational, or healthcare settings to help individuals improve communication skills.

What is the highest paid SLPa?

The highest paid Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), often called speech therapists, typically work in specialized settings such as hospitals or private clinics and may earn higher salaries than assistants. Salaries can reach over $100,000 annually, especially with advanced certifications, experience, and in high-demand regions.
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Communicative Disorders Assistant jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Communicative Disorders Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Communicative Disorders Assistant job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,764 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant - 26/27 SY

Sunnyside Unified School District

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$23.65/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Sunnyside Unified School District rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

295th of 619 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Position Type:
Instructional Support Staff/Support Assistant
Date Posted:
4/1/2026
Location:
Special Education
Date Available:
07/22/2026
DEFINITION: Under supervision of Language, Speech, and Hearing Therapists, completes a variety of tasks such as activities designed to develop pre-language and language skills, oral-motor control for speech production, vocalization, and use of assistive technology devices for communication; works with students who have identified speech and language disorders as well as other disabilities; performs related duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class).
TASKS:
Conducts speech and language screenings, without interpretation, and uses screening protocols developed by the Language, Speech, and Hearing Therapists; provides direct treatment assistance to students at various school sites; follows and implements documented treatment plans or protocols; documents student progress toward meeting established objectives and reports the information to therapists; assists the therapists during assessments by assisting with documentation and performing clerical duties including preparing Medicaid requests; prepares therapy materials such as visual boards, word walls, communication boards, and/or equipment for use in therapy activities; programs and troubleshoots Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices; adapts or modifies instructional materials and/or equipment as determined by student needs and abilities; assists in maintaining student records, tallying data, preparing charts, records, graphs and reports; observes and reports significant behavioral patterns or other problems to the therapists; assists in maintaining appropriate behavior between activities; prepares various teaching materials such as charts, pictures, word lists, and other related items.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:
Knowledge of Speech and language pathology equipment, materials, and procedures
Knowledge special education requirements both Federal and State regulations.
Knowledge of childhood development disorders and treatments.
Knowledge of terminology related to communicative disorders.
Skill in developing and implementing individualized lesson plans.
Skill in AAC device programming.
Skill in working with culturally and linguistically diverse children.
Skill in working independently.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed in an indoor environment. Work requires frequent sitting, repetitive motion, vision to monitor, and may require some lifting.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate of arts degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, or graduation from a speech language pathology assistant program
experience with students with disabilities.
Arizona Speech/Language Assistant Certificate.
Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Depending on the needs of the District, some incumbents in this class must be able to demonstrate fluency in both Spanish and English as a condition of employment.
Salary Grade: N Hourly Pay: $23.65 Hours per Day: 8 Days in Contract: 211 Start Date: 2026/2027 School Year Additional Information: 1.5 FTE Positions Available
Application Procedure:
Apply online

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