Speech-language pathologist recruiting
Speech-language pathologist recruiters for hospitals, SNFs, home health, outpatient and schools
National workforce
Speech-language pathologists in the United States
200,618
Speech-language pathologists enrolled
14,319
New SLPs, last 12 months
$98,170
SLP mean annual wage
median $97,870
Sources: NPPES monthly file, October 2026 (CMS, public domain); NPPES provider enumeration dates, October 2026 file; BLS OEWS, May 2025 estimates.
Where they are
The ten largest SLP markets by state
| # | State | SLPs | SLP mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | 24,723 | $107,700 |
| 2 | Texas | 17,068 | $99,460 |
| 3 | California | 13,784 | $118,600 |
| 4 | Florida | 11,369 | $96,710 |
| 5 | Illinois | 10,319 | $92,660 |
| 6 | Ohio | 7,770 | $93,140 |
| 7 | North Carolina | 7,225 | $88,640 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 7,122 | $93,720 |
| 9 | Missouri | 5,102 | $89,040 |
| 10 | Virginia | 4,985 | $99,590 |
Settings
SLP roles we fill, by setting
For employers
Hiring? Physical therapy, OT and SLP recruiting, run by a clinician.
Engagement model
Contingency recruiting. There is no fee unless a successful placement is made.
Speed to first candidates
Clients typically receive the first vetted candidates within one to two weeks of providing the recruiting brief and search requirements.
Guarantee
Every direct-hire placement carries a 90-day replacement guarantee. If the candidate resigns or is terminated for cause during the first ninety calendar days of employment, APT Recruiting immediately begins a one-time search for a replacement in the same position, at no additional charge.
Questions hiring managers and directors of rehab ask us
How does a therapy search with APT Recruiting work?+
It starts with a short call to take the brief: the discipline, the setting, the caseload and productivity expectations, the schedule and the pay range. Because APT is run by a licensed speech-language pathologist, the screen covers clinical fit, not just a license check. We then work your market for PTs, OTs, SLPs or audiologists who match, confirm interest, and send you candidates who have already said yes to a conversation about your organization. Clients typically receive the first vetted candidates within one to two weeks of providing the recruiting brief and search requirements.
Do you work on contingency or retained?+
Contingency recruiting. There is no fee unless a successful placement is made.
What does it cost to hire through a therapy recruiter?+
Agreed in writing before you see a candidate's details. Every direct-hire placement carries a 90-day replacement guarantee. If the candidate resigns or is terminated for cause during the first ninety calendar days of employment, APT Recruiting immediately begins a one-time search for a replacement in the same position, at no additional charge.
Which roles and settings do you cover?+
Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and audiologists, including PTAs, COTAs and SLPAs, plus directors of rehab and other therapy leadership. Settings include hospitals and acute rehab, skilled nursing, home health, outpatient clinics, schools and pediatrics, and telehealth. We also recruit nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Or email molly@aptrecruiting.com. Molly reads every brief herself.
Reviewed by a licensed SLP
Molly Salinas, M.S., CCC-SLP
The national figures on this page are drawn from public federal sources and reviewed by Molly, a licensed speech-language pathologist who has worked across healthcare settings and founded APT Recruiting. She has recruited therapists for 3 years and works from Austin, Texas. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.
Need a speech-language pathologist?
Tell us the setting, the caseload and the market. A licensed clinician reads every brief.