Online Communication Disorders Degree in District of Columbia: Salary, Schools & Outlook (2026)
Quick answer: District of Columbia employs about 390 speech-language pathologists (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing runs through your state licensing board for current SLP requirements. Programs, the careers this degree opens, and what they pay are below.
Compare communication disorders programs enrolling now:
Licensing and Credentials in District of Columbia
The bachelor’s is the first stage of a two-stage credential: clinical practice as a speech-language pathologist requires a graduate degree and state licensure the undergraduate degree does not confer. Requirements are set state by state and change.
Requirements are set at state level and are amended periodically. Before you enroll in any program, confirm with your state licensing board for current SLP requirements that the specific program you are considering satisfies the education requirement, and ask what it accepts from any training you have already completed. Get the answer in writing.
Earning the Degree While You Work
Most people reading this already have a job in the field, and the practical question is whether the credential can be earned without leaving it. Programs designed for working adults deliver the academic portion online or in the evening, while any labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience happen in person and locally. Prior college credit, military training, apprenticeship coursework and industry certifications can all shorten the path, so request a written transfer credit evaluation before you commit to any school.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record for this exact area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Speech-Language Pathologists Earn in District of Columbia
Speech-Language Pathologists in District of Columbia earn a median $109,380 per year, above the national median of $97,870 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Communication Disorders Pay and Employment in District of Columbia at a Glance
| Metric | District of Columbia | National | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $109,380 | $97,870 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 10th percentile | $81,800 | $62,900 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 25th percentile | $96,180 | $77,730 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 75th percentile | $130,620 | $114,570 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 90th percentile | $137,140 | $134,160 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Employment | 390 | 183,390 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Location quotient | 0.47 | 1.00 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Projected change (2024-34) | not published by state | 15.0% | BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34 |
How District of Columbia Pay Compares to the Rest of the Country
The District of Columbia median of $109,380 sits above the national median of $97,870 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Percentiles matter more than the midpoint when you are deciding whether a degree pays for itself: the 10th percentile is roughly where people start, and the 90th is what the top of the local market looks like after years of experience.
A location quotient of 0.47 puts District of Columbia below the national average, so the occupation is less concentrated here than in the typical state. Expect a thinner local job market and fewer employers to move between (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The measure compares how concentrated the occupation is here against the national average of 1.00.
Where the Jobs Are in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $99,960 | 3,140 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Speech-language pathology employment follows schools and health systems, which puts real hiring in every market, not just the biggest metros.
Speech-Language Pathologists Wages by Metro Area in District of Columbia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), speech-language pathologists wages in District of Columbia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 3,140 | $99,960 | $104,380 | $72,800 | $135,830 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
All District of Columbia Metro Areas With Published Data
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do speech-language pathologists make in District of Columbia?
The median annual wage for speech-language pathologists in District of Columbia is $109,380, above the national median of $97,870 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle of the range runs from $96,180 at the 25th percentile to $130,620 at the 75th.
How many speech-language pathologists work in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia holds about 390 speech-language pathologist jobs (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Nationally the occupation employs 183,390, and BLS projects about 13,300 openings per year through 2034 (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34).
Do I need a license to work as a speech-language pathologist in District of Columbia?
The bachelor's is the first stage of a two-stage credential: clinical practice as a speech-language pathologist requires a graduate degree and state licensure the undergraduate degree does not confer. Requirements are set state by state and change. Requirements are set at the state level and change periodically, so confirm the current rules with your state licensing board for current SLP requirements before you enroll in any program.
Can I earn a communication sciences and disorders bachelor's online while working in District of Columbia?
Often yes. Programs built for working adults deliver coursework online or in the evenings, though any required labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience are completed in person. Confirm that the program's accreditation satisfies your state licensing board for current SLP requirements.
What is the highest-paying area of District of Columbia for speech-language pathologists?
Among District of Columbia metro areas with published data, Washington reports the highest median at $99,960 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Is District of Columbia a good state for speech-language pathologists?
On pay, the state median of $109,380 sits above the national $97,870 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A location quotient of 0.47 means the occupation is less concentrated here than in the average state. Weigh that against cost of living and how concentrated the work is near where you actually want to live.
Related Guides
- Communication Disorders programs and how to choose one - the national guide to this degree
- CTE Teacher (Shop Teacher) career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
- Trade careers that require a 4-year degree
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Speech-Language Pathologists (SOC 29-1127), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.