Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) play a vital role in helping people of all ages communicate effectively and manage swallowing difficulties. In the UK, demand for qualified Speech and Language Therapists continues to grow across healthcare, education, and social care settings.
If you’re considering a career as a Speech and Language Therapist, or searching for your next SLT role, this guide explains what the job involves, where you can work, and how to get started.
A Speech and Language Therapist assesses, diagnoses, and treats individuals with communication, speech, language, voice, and swallowing difficulties. Patients may include:
Children with delayed speech or language development
Adults recovering from stroke or brain injury
Individuals with learning disabilities or autism
People with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease
SLTs work closely with families, carers, teachers, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to deliver tailored therapy plans.
While duties vary by setting, most Speech and Language Therapists in the UK will:
Assess speech, language, and communication needs
Develop personalised therapy programmes
Deliver one-to-one or group therapy sessions
Monitor progress and adapt treatment plans
Provide advice and training to parents, carers, and professionals
Maintain accurate clinical records
Speech and Language Therapists work in a wide range of settings, including:
NHS hospitals and community clinics
Special educational needs (SEN) schools
Mainstream schools and early years settings
Private practices and clinics
Charities and voluntary organisations
Care homes and rehabilitation centres
Many SLTs also choose flexible working patterns, including part-time roles, locum work, or private practice.
To practise as a Speech and Language Therapist in the UK, you must:
Complete a HCPC-approved degree in Speech and Language Therapy (BSc or MSc)
Register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Maintain continuing professional development (CPD)
Some professionals enter the field through postgraduate conversion courses, making it an attractive option for career changers.
Successful Speech and Language Therapists typically have:
Excellent communication and listening skills
Patience, empathy, and emotional intelligence
Strong problem-solving abilities
Organisation and record-keeping skills
The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
In the UK, Speech and Language Therapist salaries typically range from:
£28,000 – £35,000 for newly qualified SLTs (Band 5 NHS roles)
£35,000 – £43,000 for experienced therapists (Band 6–7)
Higher earnings are possible in private practice or specialist roles
Speech and Language Therapists can specialise in areas such as:
Paediatric speech and language therapy
Adult neurological rehabilitation
Dysphagia (swallowing disorders)
Autism and learning disabilities
Voice therapy
With experience, SLTs may progress into senior, advanced practitioner, management, teaching, or research roles.
Whether you’re newly qualified or an experienced practitioner, there are excellent opportunities across the UK for Speech and Language Therapists.
At Voceer, you can explore the latest Speech and Language Therapist jobs in the UK, filter by location, sector, and experience level, and apply directly to employers, completely free.