How Much Does It Cost to Start a Private Practice as an SLP?

Starting your own speech-language pathology private practice is exciting, but for many aspiring SLP Entrepreneurs, the first big concern is cost. You might be wondering, “How much will I have to spend?” or “Can I afford to do this?” Maybe you're thinking, “Do I need to quit my job to make this happen?” The good news is—you don’t need a huge budget, a fancy office, or a full caseload to get started. In fact, you can begin your private practice journey this summer, on the side, while still working for someone else. And you can do it without going into debt.

One of the biggest myths about private practice is that you need to go all in from day one. The reality? Many successful private practice owners began with just a few clients on evenings or weekends and gradually built from there. Starting small allows you to keep your overhead low, learn the ropes, and ease into business ownership with confidence.

Let’s break down the basic start-up costs and how to keep your spending lean in the early stages. Business registration typically costs between $0–$300 depending on your state; starting as a sole proprietor or registering an LLC are both common options. Professional liability insurance can be as low as $100–$150 per year—especially with ASHA member discounts. For your online presence, expect to pay about $30–$300 annually for a website and domain, using platforms like Wix or Squarespace. If you prefer something more budget-friendly, WordPress hosting is an option (though slightly less user-friendly). When it comes to documentation tools or EHR systems, there are plenty of free or low-cost plans available—most start around $0–$50 per month. Marketing can be simple and affordable: Canva and a free email service are often all you need to start reaching your audience. You’re likely already covering licensure and CEUs as a working SLP, so those won’t be new expenses. As for space and equipment, you can begin with telepractice, open a mobile practice, or rent shared office space by the hour, using tools you probably already own like a laptop, webcam, and headset.

Expenses & Estimated Costs

Business Registration: $0–$300

Insurance (Liability): $100–$150/year

Website + Domain: $30–$300/year

Documentation Tools/EMR: $0–$50/month

Marketing Materials: $0–$100

Licensure & CEUs: Varies

Space & Equipment: $0–$500

All in, the estimated start-up costs range from just $300 to $1,500—and yes, you can absolutely begin on the lower end of that range.

Of course, your time is an investment too. By starting with one or two clients a week, you give yourself the opportunity to learn the business side at your own pace, test systems before you scale, and build confidence—all while maintaining your regular income. It’s not about having everything figured out from day one. It’s about taking that first step, starting with what you have, and growing from there.

If you’re dreaming about private practice but not sure how to take that first step, we’ve got something just for you.

🎁 Unlocking Success in Private Practice Bundle
This beginner-friendly bundle includes:

• ✅ Two 90-minute on-demand trainings on private practice setup and strategy

• ✅ A 1-hour coaching session to get personalized guidance

• ✅ Real-world examples and tools to help you save time and money

Let us walk you through the process of building a sustainable, smart private practice—without the overwhelm or high costs. 

👉 Click here to learn more about our Unlocking Success in Private Practice Bundle
 

And remember: you don’t have to do this alone. You just have to start!