The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job opportunities for speech therapists to be excellent. One reason for this is that, as life expectancy continues to grow, many jobs will be available for speech therapists who work with older patients. A speech therapist diagnoses and creates an individualized plan to treat patients who have problems with their speech and varying levels of difficulty with communication. About half of all speech therapists work in educational services; however, a speech therapist can work in many settings, including a nursing home or hospital. Educational requirements vary by state, but most speech therapists earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. An individual considering a career as a speech therapist should be patient and have a strong desire to make a difference in a patient's life. A speech therapist earns between $50,000 and $80,000 per year depending on the employment sector and geographical location.