12 Myths and Misconceptions About SLP Pay and Work

by Meredith Harold, PhD

Meredith Harold, PhD

Available January 15-December 31, 2026 for .1 ASHA CEUs/ 1 Act 48 PDH


Course Abstract

This presentation exposes twelve critical misconceptions that speech–language pathologists
(SLPs) hold about employment compensation and contracts. Drawing from data analysis and
industry research, the session clarifies fundamental distinctions between W2 employment and
1099 contractor status, reveals why hourly rates rarely translate to expected annual salaries,
and explains the complex factors affecting SLP compensation across settings. Participants will learn to identify misleading job postings, understand the role of recruiters, and navigate pay negotiations effectively. The presentation provides practical tools including the "magic question" for salary discovery and guidance on calculating actual take-home pay. Essential viewing for SLPs at any career stage seeking to maximize their earning potential and make informed employment decisions.

 

Time Ordered Agenda

0:00 - 2:00 | Welcome & Introduction
 Title slide and presenter introduction
 About Informed Jobs and finding the right SLP position
 
2:00 - 4:00 | Overview & Key Questions
 What we'll cover today
 Do SLPs know their actual vs. expected pay?
 Do employers provide adequate information?
 
6:00 - 17:00 | Myth #1: Employee vs. Contractor Confusion
 W2 vs. 1099 explained
 Visual diagrams and cost implications
 Why it matters for your bottom line
 
17:00 - 45:31 | Myth #2 and 3: Contract Variations/ Hourly Rate Calculation
 Salary vs. hourly vs. per-visit pay structures
 Industry comparisons and real examples
 
45:32 - 46:59 | Myth #4: Pay Transparency Laws
 Current state-by-state requirements
 Why most job posts still lack clear pay info

 
47:00 - 52:06 | Myth #5: Finding Reliable Pay Data

 Rating pay information sources

 Critical errors in online calculators

 Where to find accurate data

 

52:07 - 54:59 | Myth #6: Ghost Jobs & Misleading Posts

 Understanding fake job listings

 Multiple posts for single positions

 Lead generation tactics

 

55:00 -58:56 | Myths #7 & #8: Recruiter Realities

 How recruitment agencies work

 Placement cost

 Contract signing vs. job placement

 

58:57-1:00:40 | Myth #9: Employer Pay Constraints

 Budget realities in different settings

 Insurance reimbursement challenges

 Why low pay isn't always about greed

 

1:00:41-1:03:56 | Myth #10: Raise Request Outcomes

 Understanding pay ceilings

 Focusing on controllable factors

 When to stay vs. when to go

 

1;03:57-1:07:10 | Myth #11: Raise Expectations

 Post-CF raise realities

 Annual increase patterns by setting

 Contract negotiation timing

 

1:07:11 - 1:09:00 | Myth #12: Non-Compete vs. Non-Solicitation

 Legal distinctions explained

 Enforceability by state

 What you need to know

 

1:09:01-1:09:51 | Key Takeaways & Action Steps

 Always ask the “magic question”about pay ranges

 Use proper calculators for SLP positions

 Focus on total compensation, not just hourly rates

 

Learning Objectives
The learner will...

 Describe the financial and work-life implications of 1099 vs W2 jobs as SLPs.
 List the different sources for reliable wage norms for speech–language pathologists.
 Identify as least five questions that you’ll want to ask the next time you’re on the job
market, before accepting your next SLP role.

 

Speaker Biography

Meredith Harold, PhD, is a former school-based SLP and University professor. In 2016, she
founded The Informed SLP, which is a database of evidence-based practices in speech–language pathology, powered by a team of skilled science communicators. In 2025, she
launched Informed Jobs, which is a database of jobs for speech–language pathologists that
puts transparency first. Meredith is based in Kansas City.



Financial Disclosures
Meredith is the owner of Informed Jobs & The Informed SLP, which is briefly mentioned in the

presentation.




Non-financial Disclosures

None