SLP vs PA — Trying to choose a career without having a meltdown

Hey everyone, I’m deciding between SLP and PA, and my brain has been running in circles for weeks, so I’m hoping people actually in these fields can give me some clarity.

Background: Bio major core classes I’m at the exact point where I can still go down either path (PA prereqs or SLP prereqs), which sounds convenient but actually just makes the decision harder.

The issue: I genuinely like medical responsibility. I’m not intimidated by patient care or pressure, I actually enjoy that part.

But the heavy science prereqs (ochem, micro, chem sequence) feel like they were designed specifically to test my will to live. I can get through them, but it’s definitely not with my sanity.

SLP aligns more with what I’m naturally good at and doesn’t drain me academically… BUT I’d also be lying if I said salary doesn’t matter. Getting a master’s and starting under 100k is a little disappointing. I know money isn’t everything, but unfortunately it does pay the bills.

Now add in my immigrant parents pressure (they think PA is the more “serious” career, and I just want them to be proud of me) and here we are.

Strengths: Communication Patient with people Good in clinical environments Calm under pressure

Weakness: Ochem. Enough said lol

What I’d love to know:

For PAs: • does the pay match the schooling? • Did the prereqs matter later on? • How’s the stress-to-salary ratio? • Would you choose PA again?

For SLPs: • What’s realistic early-career pay in Texas? • Are those $45–55/hr SNF/PRN jobs real or exaggerated? • How competitive is acute care/neuro for CFs? • Do you feel respected as part of the medical team? • Would you choose SLP again? Bonus: SLP’s in Dallas do you feel as if you are well compensated??

Which direction would you go and why?

Thanks in advance. I need outside brains on this before I lose mine.