To become a speech-language pathologist in Wisconsin, you’ll need a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, complete 400 clinical hours, pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher, and complete a 36-week clinical fellowship. The entire process typically takes 6-7 years, with median salaries of $80,580 in Wisconsin.
The speech-language therapy community in Wisconsin is making significant strides, helping people of all ages overcome their challenges and live more fulfilling lives. From major healthcare centers like the Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire and Children’s Wisconsin in Milwaukee to the growing number of private practices across Madison and Green Bay, Wisconsin’s speech-language therapy providers deliver life-changing services for the state’s most vulnerable populations.
Speech-language pathologists are champions for those struggling to be heard. Whether they’re using play-based strategies to help young clients develop their language skills or employing cognitive training to help those with traumatic brain injuries regain their voice, their work combines expertise with compassion.
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. - This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
To join Wisconsin’s community of SLPs, you must become licensed through the Wisconsin Hearing and Speech Examining Board, part of the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Step 1. Complete a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
To become a licensed SLP in Wisconsin, you must complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology that’s earned accreditation through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA).
Online graduate programs in speech-language pathology, offered by institutions throughout the U.S., provide flexibility for students with demanding schedules and professional responsibilities. For those who prefer a campus experience, there are seven CAA-accredited SLP programs in Wisconsin.
Undergraduate Requirements
Completing a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders or a similar field provides the most direct route to a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, you can still gain admission. Still, you may need to first complete prerequisite courses or a pre-professional program before beginning your graduate studies.
Typical undergraduate prerequisites include:
- Introduction to Communication Disorders
- Language Acquisition
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Swallowing Mechanism
- Diagnostic Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation
Graduate Program Requirements
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology consists of approximately 48 graduate-level credits. Coursework typically covers advanced topics in assessment, treatment, and research methods.
Graduate-level courses you can expect include:
- Language and Learning Disorders of Children
- Motor Speech Disorders and Augmentative & Alternative Communication
- Fluency and Phonological Disorders
- Neural Mechanisms of Speech, Hearing, and Language
- Voice Disorders
You must also complete a supervised practicum of at least 400 hours as part of your graduate program.
Step 2. Complete a Clinical Fellowship Program
Upon graduation from your SLP master’s degree, you’ll pursue a clinical fellowship as part of the licensure process. Wisconsin follows the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) clinical fellowship recommendations, requiring at least 36 weeks of full-time work (35 hours per week or more). You can also complete the clinical fellowship on a part-time basis, provided you work at least five hours per week.
Before you begin your clinical fellowship, you must apply for a temporary license by completing the Application for Temporary License to Practice Speech-Language Pathology.
Your fellowship is a paid experience that will provide opportunities to gain exposure to a wide variety of situations, preparing you for real-world practice in a setting aligned with your career goals.
You’re responsible for lining up your own fellowship by contacting prospective employers who may be interested in taking on a new fellow. Possible employers in Wisconsin that may help facilitate a paid fellowship include:
- Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse
- Communication Pathways, De Pere
- Affinity Health System, Appleton
Every practice has different demands, which makes the Scope of Practice for SLPs a helpful document for understanding how to cultivate and apply a wide variety of skills, including teamwork, counseling, research, assessment, and advocacy.
Step 3. Pass the National SLP Examination
You must take and pass the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) National Examination in Speech Language Pathology at some point during your clinical fellowship.
You’ll apply directly through Praxis, the exam’s administrator, and choose a date, time, and location for your exam. You can take the exam at any one of the hundreds of Praxis testing centers located throughout the U.S. In Wisconsin, there are testing centers in:
- Green Bay
- Brookfield
- Eau Claire
- La Crosse
- Ladysmith
- Madison
- Oshkosh
- Stevens Point
- Wausau
- Whitewater
The SLP exam includes 132 questions and a 150-minute time limit. You can prepare for the exam by reviewing the exam preparation materials. The exam is organized into three main categories:
Foundations and Professional Practice (1/3 of the exam):
- Typical development and performance across the lifespan
- Factors that influence communication, feeding, and swallowing
- Characteristics of everyday communication and swallowing disorders
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate service delivery
Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis (1/3 of the exam):
- Screening for communication disorders
- Developing case histories
- Assessment procedures for fluency disorders
- Genetic and developmental disorders
Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment (1/3 of the exam):
- Evaluating factors that can affect treatment
- Determining appropriate treatment details
- Establishing methods for monitoring treatment
To pass the exam, you need to score 162 on a scale of 100-200.
Optional CCC-SLP Certification
After passing the national SLP exam, you can apply for CCC-SLP certification, a professional certification that denotes a high level of skill and professional authority in speech-language pathology.
Although not a requirement for becoming licensed in Wisconsin, if you earn the CCC-SLP designation before you apply for state licensure, you can submit proof of certification instead of other documentation required for licensure.
To apply for the CCC-SLP, you’ll use the application directly through ASHA and provide them with a completed SLP Clinical Fellowship Report and Rating Form and a copy of your graduate transcripts. Praxis will send exam scores directly to ASHA.
Step 4. Become Licensed to Practice in Wisconsin
Once you’ve completed your clinical fellowship and passed the Praxis SLP exam, you will apply for your SLP license through the LicensE online portal and submit a formal request to ASHA to send your Praxis exam score to the Board.
The institution where you earned your master’s degree in speech-language pathology must also complete and send the Board a Speech-Language Pathology Certificate of Professional Education Form.
Once you’ve earned your SLP license, you can begin exploring the many professional opportunities available to you.
The Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Association (WSHA) Career Center serves as a clearinghouse for job postings from area hospitals, schools, rehab centers, private practices, public health clinics, and more.
ASHA offers several specialty certifications that complement the CCC-SLP for those interested in establishing a specialty practice or working in a specialized capacity. These certifications allow you to demonstrate your expertise in three different areas of communicative sciences and disorders:
- Child language and language disorders
- Fluency and fluency disorders
- Swallowing and swallowing disorders
Step 5. Maintain SLP Licensure and Complete Continuing Education
You must maintain your SLP license in Wisconsin by renewing it every two years on the date of your initial application through the LicensE online portal.
License renewal requires completing at least 20 hours of continuing education.
The Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Association (WSHA) is an excellent resource for continuing education. Members of the WSHA also enjoy access to professional publications, legislative support, and discounts for the WSHA annual conference.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers competitive salaries for speech-language pathologists across the state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for SLPs in Wisconsin is $80,580, with the 90th percentile earning $113,250.
Wisconsin SLP Salary by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,620 | $33.47 |
| Median (50th) | $80,580 | $38.74 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,980 | $48.07 |
| 90th Percentile | $113,250 | $54.45 |
Wisconsin SLP Salary by Metropolitan Area
We’ve listed major cities and metropolitan areas across Wisconsin below, sorted by highest median SLP salary:
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis | $83,840 | $115,060 |
| Madison | $81,010 | $102,320 |
| Wausau | $80,770 | $100,460 |
| Sheboygan | $79,010 | $115,300 |
| Appleton | $75,740 | $103,920 |
| Green Bay | $74,720 | $101,220 |
| Fond du Lac | $73,830 | $97,940 |
| South Central Wisconsin (nonmetropolitan) | $73,780 | $99,620 |
Employment Settings for Wisconsin SLPs
As of 2023, schools were the largest employer of SLPs in Wisconsin:
Educational Settings:
- Individual schools – 3,317 SLPs
- Religious schools – 399 SLPs
- School districts – 128 SLPs
- Schools with special academic education – 21 SLPs
Healthcare Organizations:
- Physical therapy offices – 1,197 SLPs
- Home health services – 719 SLPs
- Hospitals – 293 SLPs
- Nursing and convalescent homes – 190 SLPs
- Speech pathology private practices – 110 SLPs
Notable Speech Pathology Practices in Wisconsin
Here’s a sampling of clinics and independent SLP practices in Wisconsin that employ at least five people:
- Eau Claire: Center for Communication
- Kenosha: Birth To 3 Early Intervention
- Menomonee Falls: Speech Therapy at Community Memorial
- Mequon: Ozaukee Therapy Services, LLC
- Milwaukee: Curative Care Network
- Milwaukee: Marquette University
- River Falls: UW-River Falls Speech & Hearing
- Stevens Point: Center for Communicative Disorders
- Stevens Point: University of Wisconsin—Center for Communication
- Waukesha: Kidzspeech, LLC
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist in Wisconsin?
The entire process typically takes 6-7 years. This includes completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree, a 2-year master’s degree program with 400 clinical hours, and a 36-week clinical fellowship. You can take the Praxis exam during your fellowship, so the timeline doesn’t need to be extended for testing.
Can I get licensed in Wisconsin with an online SLP degree?
Yes, Wisconsin accepts master’s degrees from CAA-accredited online programs. The program must be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, regardless of whether it’s delivered online or on campus. You’ll still need to complete the required 400 clinical hours and clinical fellowship in person.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders to get into a master’s program?
No, you can earn a master’s in speech-language pathology with a bachelor’s degree in any field. Suppose your undergraduate degree wasn’t in CSD or a related field. In that case, you’ll likely need to complete prerequisite courses in areas like language acquisition, anatomy of the speech mechanism, and introduction to communication disorders before starting your graduate program.
What’s the minimum Praxis score required for Wisconsin SLP licensure?
Wisconsin requires a minimum score of 162 on the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology examination (test code 5331). The exam is scored on a scale of 100-200. You can take the exam during your clinical fellowship and have multiple opportunities to retake it if needed.
How much does it cost to get licensed as an SLP in Wisconsin?
The application fee for initial Wisconsin SLP licensure varies but is typically around $120-150. You’ll also need to budget for the Praxis exam fee (approximately $120), temporary license application during your fellowship, and potential costs for transcript requests and background checks. Check the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services website for current fee schedules.
Do I need to be a Wisconsin resident to get an SLP license?
No, Wisconsin doesn’t require state residency for SLP licensure. You can apply for and maintain a Wisconsin license while living in another state, as long as you meet all educational, examination, and continuing education requirements. This is common for SLPs who provide telepractice services or work near state borders.
How often do I need to renew my Wisconsin SLP license?
Wisconsin SLP licenses must be renewed every two years on the anniversary of your initial application date. To renew, you’ll need to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education and submit your renewal application through the LicensE online portal. Plan to ensure you complete your CE requirements before your renewal deadline.
Key Takeaways
- Education requirement: A Master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program with 400 clinical hours is required for Wisconsin licensure.
- Clinical fellowship: Complete a 36-week full-time (or extended part-time) clinical fellowship under supervision before full licensure.
- Praxis exam: Pass the national SLP examination with a minimum score of 162 during or after your clinical fellowship.
- Salary expectations: Wisconsin SLPs earn a median salary of $80,580, with the 90th percentile reaching $113,250 annually.
- License renewal: Renew your license every 2 years, completing 20 hours of continuing education between renewal periods.
- Career opportunities: Wisconsin employs over 3,200 SLPs across schools, hospitals, private practices, and home health agencies.
Ready to Start Your SLP Career in Wisconsin?
Explore accredited speech-language pathology graduate programs that can help you begin your journey toward Wisconsin licensure. Find programs that fit your schedule and career goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Speech-Language Pathologists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.