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A speech and language therapist (SLT) assesses, diagnoses, and treats children and adults with communication, eating, drinking, or swallowing difficulties. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics, creating tailored treatment plans to help people communicate better and manage conditions like speech sounds, stammering, or voice disorders.
As a newly qualified SLT your starting salary is likely to be £29,970 (Band 5), rising up the pay scale to £36,483. With experience, you can earn between £37,338 and £44,962 (Band 6). Typical salaries for senior or highly specialised SLTs range from £46,148 to £52,809 (Band 7).
To become a qualified Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) in the UK, you must complete an HCPC-approved degree (BSc or MSc) and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Key requirements include five GCSEs (grades 4-9/A-C) including English, maths, and science, along with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Essential skills include patience, compassion, and strong
Speech and language therapy is recognised by the UK Government as a shortage profession. A recent survey by the RCSLT of vacancies in the profession found an average vacancy rate of 25% in children's speech and language therapy services in England and 24% in adult services.
Children typically start speech therapy around one to three years old. However, even babies can benefit from it in some cases. Keep in mind that it can be difficult to determine if your child has a speech or language delay or disorder at a very young age.