Health & Medicine
Speech-Language Therapist
You help people speak, swallow and communicate.
- Starting salary
- R24 000 – R35 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Life Sciences, English
What do they do?
You help people speak, swallow and communicate.
A day in the life
You assess speech and language, run therapy sessions with children and adults, and coach families.
Skills you need
- Listening
- Patience
- Language skill
- Creativity
School subjects that help
- Life Sciences
- English
- Languages
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BSc/BA Speech-Language Pathology
- 3Community service
- 4Therapist
Ways in: University degree · Professional registration (HPCSA). University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of the Western Cape
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R24 000 – R35 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R36 000 – R55 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R58 000 – R90 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Help a younger child with reading
- • Learn another SA language
- • Watch how young kids learn to talk
Try this career
Teach a young child five new words using pictures and a game.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.