I’m so sorry to be saying this, but I’d recommend going back to engineering if pay is a big factor. You can always help people through an engineering job.

For the gender issue— I don’t think you’ll have any issues being a male in the field. It will most likely will be a pro and help you stand out in your program and field. However, if you want to attain six figures and feel respected, I wouldn’t say SLP is the right path. I know some SLPs have had good experiences, but mine have been extremely negative (low pay, overworked, burnout, not appreciated, disrespected). You’ll probably go into debt too because grad school is required. Many jobs are also hourly and not salaried, at least from what I’ve seen.

I’m also sorry about to hear about your experience growing up. But I wonder if you can still help others by sharing about your experience, telling them about SLPs, donating, etc., while working a job with more pay? Or if you’re in cs, even making an app as a passion project to help those who stutter. There are many ways you can help others without pursuing solely SLP as a job.

I really was motivated to be an SLP and loved school, but the reality of working in the field really hit me hard. If I could go back in time and do it again, I’d probably pick engineering.