Explore how your federal experience as a Speech Pathology And Audiology (GS-0665) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
---|---|---|---|
1-4 | Speech Therapy Assistant, Audiology Assistant, Clinical Support Specialist | Assisting licensed speech pathologists/audiologists in patient care. Conducting routine assessments and preliminary evaluations, managing scheduling and records, and providing administrative support within therapy settings. | $35,000 - $47,000 |
5-7 | Speech-Language Pathologist, Audiologist, Clinical Rehabilitation Specialist | Conducting assessments and evaluations of individuals with speech, language, and hearing disorders. Developing and implementing treatment plans to manage patient care and lead therapy sessions. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care. | $60,000 - $80,000 |
8-9 | Senior Speech-Language Pathologist, Senior Audiologist, Clinical Coordinator of Speech Therapy | Overseeing patient care services, supervising junior staff, and providing advanced clinical assessments. Participating in program development, quality assurance, and patient education initiatives, while maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations. | $80,000 - $100,000 |
10-11 | Speech Pathology Manager, Audiology Program Director, Clinical Director of Rehabilitation Services | Managing overall operations within speech pathology/audiology departments, including staff supervision, budget management, and strategic planning. Leading clinical training, developing protocols, and enhancing service delivery to improve patient outcomes. | $100,000 - $130,000 |
12-13 | Director of Speech Pathology Services, Chief Audiologist, Regional Clinical Director | Providing leadership across multiple clinics or facilities, overseeing program development, compliance, and policy adherence. Analyzing service demand trends, managing financial performance, and executing strategic initiatives to promote departmental excellence. | $130,000 - $160,000 |
14-15 | Vice President of Clinical Services, Senior Director of Rehabilitation Programs, Executive Director of Speech and Audiology Services | Strategic oversight of speech and audiology services at enterprise level, shaping organizational vision, policy directions, and operational effectiveness. Collaborating with executive management to enhance care quality and expanding service reach through innovative practices. | $160,000 - $200,000 |
SES | Chief Clinical Officer, Senior Vice President of Healthcare Services, Managing Director of Health Sciences | Strategic leadership in healthcare delivery systems, focusing on innovation in speech pathology and audiology practices on a national or global scale. Directing research initiatives and fostering partnerships within the community and industry, advocating for policies that improve patient care services. | $200,000 - $250,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
The CCC-SLP certification, awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), is essential for demonstrating a high standard of competence in speech-language pathology. This credential not only validates clinical skills to potential employers in the civilian sector but also enhances opportunities for advanced roles in healthcare or educational settings.
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP License)
Obtaining a state license to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist is crucial for providing treatment services in most civilian job sectors. This licensing confirms the ability to adhere to state regulations, which can significantly increase job prospects and credibility among employers.
Board Certified Specialist in Fluency Disorders (BCS-F)
Earning the BCS-F certification demonstrates specialized knowledge in treating fluency disorders, making a candidate more competitive for positions that require advanced expertise. This certification can also open doors to roles in research and education, enhancing career advancement opportunities.
Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)
The BCS-S certification shows proficiency in the assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders, a niche area that is increasingly in demand in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. This additional specialty makes candidates more attractive to employers looking for comprehensive service providers.
Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP)
The CPSP certification, recognized in some regions, provides credible endorsement of clinical practice standards and ethical guidelines in speech pathology. This credential can set candidates apart in competitive civilian job markets where employers value established reputation and professionalism.
Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders
A Master's degree is the minimum educational requirement for practitioners in the field and provides foundational knowledge and clinical skills essential for effective practice. It also qualifies individuals for licensure and certification, which are critical for employment in civilian healthcare and educational settings.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Specialized Areas of Speech-Language Pathology
Pursuing CEUs in specialized areas such as pediatric speech therapy or geriatric communication disorders shows a commitment to ongoing professional development. This commitment is attractive to civilian employers who seek candidates that can keep up with evolving practices and technologies in the field.
Membership in Professional Organizations (e.g., ASHA or NSSLHA)
Joining organizations like ASHA not only provides access to valuable resources and networking opportunities but also demonstrates a commitment to the profession. Engagement with professional communities can enhance job prospects through networking and collaborations, as well as support in career advancement.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal role, such as a Speech Pathologist or Audiologist under the GS-0665 job series, to private sector employment is a voyage that requires a strategic mindset and an adept approach to showcasing your skills. While the transition can seem daunting, remember that your federal experience has equipped you with a unique skill set that is highly valued in the private sector. Here are some comprehensive tips to ease your transition:
Transitioning from a federal GS-0665 Speech Pathology and Audiology role to the private sector can certainly feel like a leap into the unknown. However, with careful preparation, a willingness to adapt, and strategic networking, you will find that your experiences will be an asset in this new chapter of your career. Remember to keep refining your approach and stay open to learning – your journey will unfold into exciting new opportunities!