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Entry Level Speech Pathologist Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Speech Pathologist information

See Missouri salary details

$703

$1.8K

$2.3K

How much do entry level speech pathologist jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level speech pathologist in Missouri is $1,751.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,551.92 and $1,957.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level speech pathologist do?

An entry level speech pathologist, also known as a speech-language pathologist (SLP), helps assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with speech, language, voice, and communication disorders. They typically work under the supervision of experienced SLPs and may work with children or adults in schools, hospitals, or clinics. Their responsibilities include conducting screenings, assisting with developing treatment plans, and providing direct therapy to clients. Entry level SLPs also collaborate with families, caregivers, and other professionals to support patient progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level speech pathologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Speech Pathologist, you need a master's degree in speech-language pathology and state licensure, as well as a solid understanding of communication and swallowing disorders. Familiarity with assessment tools, electronic medical records (EMRs), and standardized therapy protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and adaptability help you build rapport with clients and collaborate effectively with families and multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering personalized, evidence-based interventions that improve clients’ communication abilities and quality of life.

What are some common challenges entry-level speech pathologists face during their first year on the job?

Entry-level speech pathologists often encounter challenges such as managing diverse caseloads, adapting therapy plans for individual client needs, and navigating the documentation requirements unique to their workplace. Balancing direct therapy time with paperwork and collaborating effectively with teachers, parents, and other healthcare professionals can also be demanding. However, most employers provide mentorship and ongoing training to help new speech pathologists transition smoothly and build confidence in their clinical skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Speech Pathologist vs Speech Therapist?

AspectEntry Level Speech PathologistSpeech Therapist
CredentialsMaster's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, state licensureTypically the same; often used interchangeably
Work EnvironmentSchools, clinics, hospitals, private practicesSchools, healthcare facilities, private settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and healthcare sectorsHealthcare and educational sectors
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for entry-level rolesOften used interchangeably with Speech Pathologist

Both roles generally require similar credentials and work in comparable environments. The term "Speech Therapist" is often used interchangeably with "Speech Pathologist," especially at the entry level. Understanding these similarities helps job seekers identify relevant opportunities in healthcare and educational settings.

How much do entry level speech pathologists make starting out?

Entry-level speech pathologists typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on location, setting, and level of education. Starting salaries may be higher in urban areas or specialized environments, and obtaining certification can influence earning potential.

Is it hard to get a job as an entry level speech pathologist?

Securing an entry-level speech pathologist position can be competitive, but job availability is generally steady due to demand for speech therapy services. Candidates with a master's degree, certification, and clinical experience through internships or practicums tend to have better prospects, and some regions may have more opportunities than others.

What are the most commonly searched types of Speech Pathologist jobs in Missouri?

The most popular types of Speech Pathologist jobs in Missouri are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Speech Pathologist jobs in Missouri look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Speech Pathologist jobs in Missouri are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Speech Pathologist job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,065 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

$91K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

The Intermittent Audiologist position within Audiology Service at the VA St. Louis Health Care System. The duties and responsibilities include comprehensive audiological evaluation, assessment, and treatment to Veteran patients on an as-needed basis, with coverage for locations within the VA Saint Louis Health Care System. Incumbent functions under the supervision of a staff audiologist or audiologist/speech language pathologist of higher grade.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency: Audiologist candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
  • Education: Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from an audiology program recognized by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The CAA is the only accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit entry-level audiology programs. HR office staff and management officials may verify the program accredited from CAA at www.caa.asha.org. OR, Other doctoral degree in hearing science or a directly related field from an institution accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the USDE. (A copy of transcripts with conferred of degree date should be submitted with application package.)
  • Licensure:
  • Individuals must hold a full, current and unrestricted license to practice audiology at the doctoral level in a United States state, territory, commonwealth or the District of Columbia. Non-licensed audiologists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate audiologist at the GS-11 grade under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2) for a period not to exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that these audiologists provide care only under the supervision of fully licensed audiologists. (A copy of valid current license should be submitted with application package.)
  • May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
GS-11 Audiologist Qualifications: The basic requirements, and in addition the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  1. Knowledge of principles and techniques in the assessment and treatment of auditory and balance disorders.
  2. Ability to perform functions associated with contemporary audiology scope of practice as defined by the American Academy of Audiology or the ASHA.
  3. Ability to interact with patients, families and other health care professionals.
Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve in audiologist entry-level developmental positions. Audiologists perform audiology assessment and treatment intervention, exercise clinical judgment, adapt clinical procedures and techniques and document in the medical record appropriate information related to patient care.
GS-12 Audiologist Experience: In addition to the requirements at the GS-11 level, completion of one year of professional experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-11). In addition to the KSAs required at the full performance level, the following KSAs are required:
  1. Skill in determining nature, type and severity of hearing/communication /vestibular disorders.
  2. Skill in counseling patients and family members regarding management of hearing/communication/vestibular disorders.
  3. Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional audiology to other health care professionals.
  4. Ability to independently apply professional contemporary audiologic treatments to the full range of patient populations.
Assignment. This is the full performance level for staff audiologists. At this level, audiologists are licensed to practice independently in the provision of audiologic services, consulting with peers and supervisors as appropriate. Audiologists serve as consultants to other health care professionals and are recognized subject matter experts (SME) on matters related to hearing, tinnitus and balance disorders. The supervisor may assign staff audiologists to any VHA program and setting, such as inpatient or outpatient medicine, primary care, surgery, hearing health, neurology, rehabilitation medicine, geriatrics, compensation and pension. Audiologists diagnose audiologic disorders, conduct audiologic or neuro-audiologic assessments, treat auditory disorders through a various modalities and provide adjunctive interventions for the treatment of medical disorders. Audiologists consult with medical center staff on various patient care issues. Staff audiologists may be involved in program evaluation, teaching, training and research activities. Among the modalities provided are individual, family and group audiologic rehabilitation.
Preferred Experience: Verifit Hearing Aid Measurements and VA Electronic Health Record
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-11 to GS-12.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER