Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2026 Aug 4:1-24. doi: 10.1044/2026_AJSLP-25-00321. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study examined whether systemic and experiential factors predict overall job satisfaction among speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) and supervising speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Specifically, the study explored the influence of state regulation category, years of experience, and supervision practices on satisfaction in both roles.
METHOD: Participants included 68 professionals (38 SLPAs, 30 SLPs) recruited through professional networks and social media. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify predictors of satisfaction. SLPA satisfaction was analyzed in relation to years of experience, state regulation category, and monthly hours of direct supervision. SLP satisfaction was examined in relation to state regulation category and perceptions of SLPA impact on workload and caseload.
RESULTS: Among SLPAs, years of experience significantly predicted overall job satisfaction, with greater experience associated with higher odds of satisfaction. Hours of direct supervision per month did not significantly predict overall satisfaction but were positively associated with satisfaction regarding the quantity of supervision received. Supervisory practices varied in frequency, with limited opportunities reported for observation and feedback on therapy material selection. Among SLPs, no statistically significant predictors of job satisfaction were identified. Perceptions of SLPA impact on workload and caseload were divided.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the role of experience and supervision in shaping SLPA satisfaction, particularly during early career stages. Although supervision time was not linked to overall satisfaction, it was associated with perceptions of supervisory adequacy. For supervising SLPs, satisfaction may be influenced by factors beyond those examined in this study. Implications for training, supervision practices, and systemic support are discussed. Given the modest effect sizes and small sample, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary and exploratory.
PMID:42550947 | DOI:10.1044/2026_AJSLP-25-00321
