Speech-Language Pathology Degree Programs in Portland, ME (2026)
Quick answer: The Portland metro employs about 260 speech-language pathologists (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing is set at the state level, through your state speech-language pathology licensing board.
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. Speech-language pathologists are licensed by state boards, and school-based practice may additionally run through a state education agency credential. The national constants are a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, a supervised clinical fellowship, and the Praxis examination.
See the Maine licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with your state speech-language pathology licensing board.
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 within 250 miles of this 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 Portland
Speech-Language Pathologists in the Portland area earn a median $87,120 per year, below the national median of $97,870 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Speech-Language Pathology Pay in Portland, ME
| Metric | Portland metro | Maine | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $87,120 | $82,660 | $97,870 |
| 10th percentile | $55,330 | $54,010 | $62,900 |
| 25th percentile | $76,580 | $73,930 | $77,730 |
| 75th percentile | $99,750 | $99,060 | $114,570 |
| 90th percentile | $110,410 | $108,580 | $134,160 |
| Employment | 260 | 640 | 183,390 |
| Location quotient | 0.77 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Portland-South Portland, ME metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Portland median of $87,120 is below the national median of $97,870, and above the Maine statewide median of $82,660 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 0.77 means speech-language pathologists are less concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
School systems employ the largest share of speech-language pathologists, so local demand tracks school-age population and district staffing alongside the health system.
Other Maine Metro Areas
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Bangor | $77,160 | 110 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
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 Portland?
The median annual wage for speech-language pathologists in the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area is $87,120, below the national median of $97,870 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many speech-language pathologists work in the Portland area?
The Portland-South Portland, ME metro area employs about 260 speech-language pathologists (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do speech-language pathologists in Portland need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. Speech-language pathologists are licensed by state boards, and school-based practice may additionally run through a state education agency credential. The national constants are a master's degree from a CAA-accredited program, the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, a supervised clinical fellowship, and the Praxis examination. Confirm current requirements with your state speech-language pathology licensing board.
Can I study speech-language pathology online from Portland?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies your state speech-language pathology licensing board.
Is Portland a better market than the rest of Maine?
The Portland metro median is $87,120 against a statewide median of $82,660 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Speech-Language Pathology degree programs in Maine - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Speech-Language Pathology programs and how to choose one
- Substance Abuse Counselor career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
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/.