Speech Pathologist jobs in Australia

CrossNation has 1 open speech pathologist role listed right now. This count comes live from our job board and updates every few minutes.

Speech pathology is not one of the professions regulated under the national scheme run by Ahpra, so there is no government registration. Instead, the profession is self-regulated through Speech Pathology Australia, the national professional association. Members who meet its requirements can hold the Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) credential, which involves ongoing professional development and following the association's code of ethics. Many employers, health funds and government programs ask for CPSP status or eligibility, so in practice it works much like registration. Graduates of accredited Australian programs are generally eligible for membership. Speech pathologists who qualified overseas apply to Speech Pathology Australia for an assessment of their qualifications, and the association is also the assessing authority for skilled migration in this occupation. Check its website for current requirements before applying, since steps and evidence lists are updated from time to time.

Speech pathologists assess and treat difficulties with communication and swallowing. Paediatric roles in private clinics, early intervention services and schools focus on speech sounds, language, stuttering, literacy and social communication, often working closely with families and teachers. Many paediatric and disability roles are funded through the NDIS, which brings report writing and goal-based planning. Hospital speech pathologists assess swallowing after stroke, surgery or illness, recommend safe food and fluid textures, and work on communication after brain injury. In aged care, the focus is often on swallowing difficulties and mealtime safety, as well as communication for residents living with dementia. Community health and adult rehabilitation roles combine both. Some services are delivered by telehealth, which can suit candidates in regional areas. When you apply, explain whether your experience is mostly paediatric or adult, since employers usually recruit to one or the other.

Speech pathologists in private practice, disability services, aged care and private hospitals are commonly covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027]. It sets minimum rates by health professional level, plus overtime, penalty rates, allowances and leave entitlements. Public hospital and community health speech pathologists are generally employed under state or territory agreements, and those in government schools are usually employed under education department arrangements. Some private paediatric clinics set billable hours targets, so ask how report writing, travel, cancellations and team meetings count towards those targets and whether pay changes if targets are not met. Independent contractors are not covered by the award. We do not publish pay figures, since rates depend on the instrument, level and employment type. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator shows minimum award rates for each level.

Registration: Speech Pathology Australia (self-regulated; not registered with Ahpra). There is no Ahpra registration. Employers commonly ask for Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) status or eligibility through Speech Pathology Australia.

Pay and conditions: usually the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027] or an enterprise agreement. Check current minimum rates with the Fair Work Pay Calculator.

Award rates: Speech pathologist salary in Australia: what the award sets.

ANZSCO: 252712 Speech Pathologist