Occupational therapist vs speech-language pathologist
BLS lists a master’s degree as the typical entry-level education for both, and says all states require both to be licensed. OT programs are accredited by ACOTE and lead to the NBCOT OTR exam; SLP programs are accredited by CAA and lead to the national speech-language pathology exam and, for ASHA certification, a Clinical Fellowship.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
| Official fact | Occupational therapist (OT) | Speech-language pathologist (SLP) |
|---|---|---|
| What BLS says they do | “Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence.” | “Speech-language pathologists assess and treat people who have communication disorders.” |
| Typical entry-level education (BLS Quick Facts) | Master’s degree | Master’s degree |
| How to become (BLS) | “To enter the occupation, occupational therapists typically need a master’s degree in occupational therapy.” | “Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.” |
| On-the-job training (BLS Quick Facts) | None | Internship/residency |
| Program accreditor | ACOTE | CAA (accredited and candidate programs; search in EdFind) |
| National exam or certification | NBCOT OTR certification exam (NBCOT exam) | National speech-language pathology exam: Praxis through ETS through December 26, 2026; PSI from January 11, 2027 (SLP exams); ASHA CCC-SLP. ASHA states: “ASHA certification is voluntary.” |
| Licensure (BLS) | “All states require occupational therapists to be licensed.” | “All states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed.” |
| 2025 median pay (BLS) | $100,330 per year | $97,870 per year |
| Number of jobs, 2025 (BLS) | 169,600 | 193,400 |
| Job outlook, 2025–35 (BLS) | 15% (Much faster than average) | 17% (Much faster than average) |
| Work environment summary (BLS) | “Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics.” | “Most speech-language pathologists work in schools or healthcare facilities.” |
| Interstate compact | OT Compact | ASLP-IC (audiology and speech-language pathology) |
BLS figures are from the handbook pages for occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists, checked November 10, 2026. Both pages showed “Last modified date: August 27, 2026”. They are national estimates.
Where the official sources mention each other
BLS’s speech-language pathologists page states that speech-language pathologists work with “physicians and surgeons, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, audiologists, and other healthcare workers.” ASHA’s student page states: “In many settings, SLPs often work as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, which may include teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and rehabilitation counselors.”
This page does not draw its own scope-of-practice line between the professions. What each licensee may do is set by the state practice act.
Certification is not licensure
NBCOT’s Get Certified page states: “Certification is not the same as licensure.” For SLPs, ASHA’s general certification information says CCC holders “have voluntarily met rigorous academic and professional standards, typically going beyond the minimum requirements for state licensure.” In both professions, the license comes from the state.