How to Become a Speech Pathologist in Michigan
A career as a speech pathologist in Michigan offers rewarding opportunities. Speech-language pathologists earn competitive salaries between $82,000 and $95,410, which makes this field financially attractive. On top of that, a speech-language pathology degree creates opportunities beyond traditional roles.
Your path starts with completing a complete speech pathologist program of 62 credit hours. Some students can benefit from reduced tuition rates in certain Master’s programs. Out-of-state students pay $956.21 per credit hour for the 2025-26 academic year. Michigan’s speech pathology license requirements need you to complete at least 9 months (1,260 hours) of supervised post-graduate clinical experience. You must pass a Criminal Background Check and submit fingerprint processing evidence from an authorized agency. The state requires all applicants to complete training to identify victims of human trafficking before getting their license. Your first license will expire on the upcoming September 30 renewal date. After that, licenses cover a full two-year cycle.
This piece walks you through the process to become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Michigan. We cover everything from choosing the right educational program to keeping your professional credentials current.
Education Requirements for Michigan SLPs
A career as a speech-language pathologist in Michigan starts with the right educational credentials. The Michigan Board of Speech-Language Pathology requires all licensure candidates to hold a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. This master’s degree serves as the entry-level qualification to practice as an SLP.
Your program needs accreditation from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology (CAA). A CAA-accredited program will give a curriculum that meets all requirements. The program also helps you get ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), which employers often require.
Michigan’s SLP graduate programs look for candidates with:
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 semester hours
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher with no grade lower than C in prerequisite courses
- Prerequisite coursework in biology, statistics, chemistry or physics, and social/behavioral sciences
The most competitive programs accept students with average GPAs between 3.65-3.75. Several Michigan universities offer post-baccalaureate programs that help complete prerequisite coursework for students without an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders.
Students can complete graduate SLP programs in two years of full-time study, with 51-60 credit hours typically required. The curriculum covers everything in topics like articulation disorders, language disorders, fluency, voice disorders, swallowing disorders, and cognitive aspects of communication.
Clinical training forms a significant part of all SLP programs. Students need to complete at least 400 hours of supervised clinical practice, including 375 hours of direct patient work. This hands-on experience builds crucial practical skills before entering the profession.
Graduates can diagnose and review various speech, language, and swallowing pathologies, and implement appropriate treatment options. The education meets all requirements to get the Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
Your path to Michigan licensure after graduate school involves several significant steps. The Michigan Board of Speech-Language Pathology requires an online application through the Michigan Professional Licensing User System (MiPLUS). You’ll need to pay an application fee of $187.40.
The Clinical Fellowship experience is the core of licensure. This requires 1,260 hours (approximately 9 months) of supervised post-graduate clinical work. A licensed SLP mentor will guide you and verify your clinical skills using the Clinical Fellowship Skills Inventory during this period. The Michigan Board requires you to get an Educational Limited Temporary License before starting this supervised experience.
You must pass the PRAXIS Series II Examination in Speech-Language Pathology next. This national standardized test evaluates your entry-level practice knowledge and skills. Your scores need to be sent directly to the Michigan licensing board from the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Michigan requires these additional elements:
- A criminal background check with fingerprinting
- Completion of human trafficking identification training
- Two hours of implicit bias training (as of June 2022)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Verification of any licenses held in other states
The licensure process moves faster if you have the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). ASHA certification proves you meet Michigan’s requirements, which makes your application simpler.
You can track your application status at www.michigan.gov/appstatus after submission. Licensed SLPs must renew every two years and complete 20 continuing education hours per renewal cycle. The requirements include one hour focused on pain and symptom management, plus two hours of implicit bias training starting in 2022.
SLPs licensed in other states can apply for licensure by endorsement when their current license meets equivalent requirements. This option needs verification of your out-of-state license in good standing, along with standard application materials.
Salaries for SLPs in Michigan
Speech-language pathologists in Michigan have compelling reasons to choose this career path based on the financial outlook. Recent data shows that SLPs in the state earn a median academic-year salary of $80,000. This salary puts Michigan in a competitive position among neighboring states.
Michigan SLPs earn $50.27 per hour on average, which adds up to about $104,561 yearly for full-time professionals. All the same, salary ranges show big differences. Entry-level positions (25th percentile) start at $65,400, while experienced professionals (75th percentile) can make up to $93,700.
Your earning potential in Michigan largely depends on where you work. SLPs in metropolitan areas usually earn more than their counterparts in rural settings. Here’s what the numbers show:
- Detroit-Warren-Dearborn: $84,080 mean annual salary
- Grand Rapids-Wyoming: $87,990 mean annual salary
- Ann Arbor: $89,690 mean annual salary
- Dearborn: $57.23 per hour ($119,038 annually)
Rural areas tend to offer lower pay:
- Northeast Lower Peninsula: $75,560 mean annual salary
- Upper Peninsula: $79,600 mean annual salary
Some specialized roles or work settings might pay even better. Data from job listings shows that travel SLP positions can pay much more, with some roles offering yearly salaries above $107,000. School-based positions in specific districts advertise salaries around $109,200.
Looking at hourly rates across cities reveals notable differences. Dearborn tops the list at $57.23 per hour, with Saginaw following at $56.14, and Detroit at $53.39. These variations reflect each area’s cost of living, service demand, and local economy.
New graduates should keep these regional salary differences in mind while evaluating job offers. Your choice of location within Michigan could mean a difference of $10,000-$15,000 or more in yearly earnings, depending on whether you work in metropolitan or rural areas.
Careers in Michigan
Speech-language pathologist jobs in Michigan are growing faster than ever. The number of professionals will increase from 4,260 in 2022 to about 4,940 by 2032—showing a 16% growth rate. The state expects around 310 job openings each year through 2032.
Speech-language pathologists in Michigan work in schools, medical facilities, and private practices. Most jobs are in major cities. Detroit leads with 1,940 SLPs, while Grand Rapids has 520. Ann Arbor employs 220 professionals, Lansing has 190, and Flint supports 170.
Career paths start with entry-level positions in schools and rehabilitation centers. Professionals can advance to mid-level management roles and supervise treatment programs. Senior administrative positions in healthcare organizations or educational districts become available with experience.
Michigan’s top employers include Rehab Care, Advantage Therapy Services, Detroit Premier Academy, Botsford Hospital, Encore Rehabilitation Services, Spectrum Health, Beaumont Hospitals, and Mid-Michigan Health. The state offers exceptional opportunities, especially when you have military experience and want to transition into speech-language pathology.
This profession stands among Michigan’s “Hot 50” jobs through 2032. It plays a vital role in healthcare and educational services across the state.
Next Steps
A career as a speech-language pathologist in Michigan provides great pay and job security. Your experience starts with earning a master’s degree from an accredited program. You’ll then complete clinical fellowship experience and pass the PRAXIS examination. The final steps include clearing background checks and completing specialized training to get your license.
The financial benefits make this career worth thinking over. Michigan SLPs earn competitive salaries, especially when you have positions in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids. Your pay varies by location, and urban areas typically offer better compensation than rural settings.
The job market looks bright across the state. A projected 16% growth rate through 2032 shows strong need for qualified professionals in educational institutions, medical facilities, and private practices. Clear paths to advance from entry-level roles to management positions open up as you gain experience.
This piece walked you through every step to become a licensed speech-language pathologist. Michigan provides a clear path to this career that blends healthcare expertise with meaningful human connection. Your skills will help people who struggle with communication and swallowing disorders, whether you work with children in schools, adults in rehabilitation centers, or specialized populations in medical settings.