We may not realise it now, but communication is integral to how we connect with others and experience the world around us. It’s why speech therapy and becoming a speech therapist have become vital in recent years.
“When people struggle to express themselves or understand what others are saying, it can feel like a part of them is missing, and speech therapists are the ones to bridge the gap, helping individuals find their voices again,” shares William Huynh, owner and senior speech pathologist at Brighter Futures Allied Health.
Speech Therapy Enriches Lives
A speech therapist, also known as a speech pathologist, works with individuals of all ages, typically children and adults with suspected delays and disabilities. These professionals not only help people with communication problems but also assist those who have trouble swallowing, which can make eating and drinking difficult. Their work is crucial to improving language and communication skills and overall quality of life.
Speech therapy is more than just a job. It can make a real difference in the lives of children and adults. If you’re a student considering speech pathology, a new graduate ready to start your career, or an allied health professional shifting focus, now is the best time to be a speech therapist in Australia. Here’s why:
Higher Demand But Short on Staff
Since the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) launched in 2013, more people with disabilities have accessed funding to choose their own service providers, dramatically increasing the demand for speech pathology services. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, employment growth for speech therapists has grown by 20% in the past year and is projected to increase by 17% in the next five years.
Despite the high demand for speech therapy services, patients still suffer from long waitlists. That’s because, across Australia, all states and territories have a shortage of speech pathologists, according to Jobs and Skills. If you’re willing to take on a new challenge, speech therapy can open up various career opportunities.
NDIS Continues to Fuel Growth
For thousands of Australians living with disabilities, access to allied health services is crucial. The NDIS rollout has also helped create more diverse and flexible career paths for speech therapists.
From clinic-based services, speech pathologists have now expanded to home and school visits, community-based therapy, and working more closely with families and support networks to provide long-term, goal-oriented care. Huynh says their mobile intervention services can have a serious impact on client progress. “Continuing speech therapy at home or in school allows our clients to learn and apply communication skills in a naturalistic and functional setting while modelling to families and caregivers how to use resources they already have at their disposal to support their loved ones,” shares Huynh.
For speech pathologists, this expansion of services opens up various career opportunities. They can choose to specialise in the profession, have more freedom to work in client-led settings, and afford more chances to tailor therapy for every individual.
Work Flexibility and Variety
Speech therapists aren’t limited to one type of workplace. While you can typically work in health, education, and disability, speech pathology practice and work contexts continue to evolve, according to Speech Pathology Australia.
You can work as a clinician, educator, researcher, policy advisor, manager, advocate, consultant or other aligned roles. You can also provide services in various settings, including public services such as government agencies and non-profit organisations, private practices with other speech pathologists, establishing a sole practice, or working with other disciplines.
Many professionals also find themselves drawn to the personal and professional growth that comes with the role. As a speech therapist, you’re encouraged to do lifelong learning. You might find yourself wanting to pursue additional training in feeding therapy, literacy support, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), or even branching out into research or education.
Competitive Salaries
Speech therapists in Australia enjoy competitive salaries, especially as they gain experience or take on leadership roles. According to Seek Australia, the average annual wage for Speech Pathologists ranges from $90,000 to $100,000.
This range can go higher based on years in the field, type of employer, location, and whether you specialise or move into private practice. As a speech therapist, you can grow and evolve your skillset over time, expanding your career options, increasing your pay, and gaining more flexibility in how and where you work.
A Lasting Impact
With increasing awareness of communication disorders and the impact speech therapy can have on children and adults, those looking to become speech pathologists will soon realise how rewarding this work can be. Speech therapists truly change lives, from helping children with developmental delays to supporting adults with health conditions and disabilities.
Speech therapists don’t just teach skills. They build confidence, independence, and connection. Many clients and families form lasting bonds with their therapists, making it a profession rich in purpose and personal fulfilment.
“What makes this career so meaningful is that you get to witness real change, not just in how someone speaks, but how they connect with the world,” shares Huynh of Brighter Futures Allied Health. “It makes us happy to see the progress clients make and the difference that consistent support can bring.”
How to Become a Speech Therapist
If you’re convinced speech therapy is for you, you can get started on becoming a speech therapist by completing an accredited degree, such as a Bachelor of Speech Pathology, and registering with Speech Pathology Australia (SPA), the national peak body for speech pathologists in the country. Accreditation from SPA is required to become a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist. If you have already completed an undergraduate degree, you can still pursue this profession by completing a Master of Speech Pathology.
Speech Pathology in Australia is no longer a niche profession. It has evolved into meaningful work with strong demand across the country. With ongoing reforms in health care, the need for skilled and compassionate speech therapists will only grow. If you’re looking to make a difference, the opportunity to become one is waiting.
