Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Speech-Language Pathologist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for speech-language pathologist in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Speech-Language Pathologist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$82,990 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#31 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Speech-Language Pathologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $82,990, Speech-Language Pathologists in Tennessee earn 13% below the national median of $95,410. Tennessee ranks #31 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$82,990Hourly estimate
$39.9013% below national median
Difference: -$12,420
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpeech-Language Pathologist Salary Ranking
#31 of 50 statesfor Speech-Language Pathologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $116,000 |
| #2 | New York | $108,870 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $108,230 |
| #4 | Colorado | $108,070 |
| #5 | New Mexico | $104,910 |
Nearby States Comparison
Speech-Language Pathologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $82,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $82,910 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $94,370 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $87,420 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $99,100 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $72,560 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $75,790 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $79,800 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $83,950 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37247
Phone: 6157415735
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Speech-Language Pathologists in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Speech-Language Pathologists.
What education do you need to become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Speech-Language Pathologist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Speech-Language Pathologists in Tennessee is $82,990. Salaries range from $53,180 (10th percentile) to $111,030 (90th percentile).
How does the Speech-Language Pathologist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Speech-Language Pathologists in Tennessee earn 13% below the national median of $95,410, with a state median of $82,990.
How many Speech-Language Pathologists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 3,510 Speech-Language Pathologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Speech-Language Pathologist license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Speech-Language Pathologists in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Speech-Language Pathologist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.