Key Insights
Audiologists are a dynamic career within the sector, offering a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for professionals seeking meaningful work.
The median annual salary for this occupation is $92,120, which is above the typical salary for this field. Over the next decade, employment is projected to grow by 9.0%, following overall growth trends and steady opportunities . The automation risk for this occupation is 8.0%. This suggests a high degree of job security, as automation is less likely to impact this role in the near future. Work-life balance is rated as 10.0, which can be an important factor for job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Individuals with Social, Investigative, or Conventional personality traits tend to thrive in this career. Key skills for success include Communication skills, Compassion, Critical-thinking skills, Interpersonal skills, Patience, Problem-solving skills. Developing and refining these abilities can set you apart from other candidates and help you excel in your role. Notable strengths for this occupation are High Demand, Flexible Work, Continuous Learning. Leveraging these strengths can lead to greater job satisfaction and career advancement. Some common challenges professionals may encounter include Burnout Risk, Rapid Technological Change. Being aware of these potential obstacles can help you prepare and develop strategies to overcome them.
The highest employment levels for this occupation are found in California, offering strong job prospects in that region. The leading industry for this role is Hospitals; state, local, and private, which may provide additional opportunities for specialization and growth.
Whether you are just starting your career journey or looking to make a change, Audiologists offers a compelling mix of salary potential, job outlook, and personal fit. By understanding the key factors that influence success in this field, you can make informed decisions and position yourself for long-term achievement.
What They Do
Audiologists diagnose, treat, and manage hearing, balance, and related disorders. They evaluate auditory and vestibular function, provide hearing aids or assistive devices, and counsel patients on hearing health. Their work is critical in healthcare, rehabilitation, and patient quality of life.
This career is well suited for individuals who enjoy healthcare, patient interaction, and problem-solving in clinical settings.
What Do Audiologists Do?
These professionals assess hearing and balance, develop treatment plans, and provide ongoing patient care.
Common responsibilities include:
- Conducting hearing and balance assessments using specialized equipment
- Diagnosing hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular disorders
- Prescribing and fitting hearing aids or assistive listening devices
- Providing auditory rehabilitation and counseling for patients
- Educating patients and families on hearing health and preventive care
- Maintaining accurate and confidential patient records
- Collaborating with healthcare providers, educators, and specialists
Key Areas of Audiology
Audiologists may specialize in particular populations or clinical settings:
- Pediatric Audiology: Assessing and treating hearing issues in children
- Geriatric Audiology: Managing age-related hearing and balance disorders
- Clinical Rehabilitation: Providing therapy and device management for patients
- Hearing Aid Fitting and Evaluation: Selecting and programming auditory devices
- Research and Education: Studying auditory health trends and educating patients or students
Skills and Abilities Needed
Audiologists combine clinical, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
Core Professional Skills
- Hearing and balance assessment techniques - Diagnosis and treatment planning - Use of audiometric and vestibular testing equipment - Hearing aid fitting and auditory rehabilitation - Patient counseling and education - Recordkeeping and documentationPersonal Qualities That Matter
- Empathy and patience - Strong communication and interpersonal skills - Analytical and problem-solving ability - Attention to detail and precision - Manual dexterity for device fitting - Commitment to patient care and well-beingEducation and Career Pathway
This role typically requires advanced education and clinical training:
- Doctoral Degree (minimum): Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)
- Clinical Internship: Supervised hands-on experience in hearing assessment and therapy
- Licensure: Required to practice as an audiologist in all states
- Continuing Education: Maintaining licensure and staying current on techniques and technology
- Specialty Certifications (optional): Areas such as pediatric audiology or vestibular rehabilitation
Where Do Audiologists Work?
They are employed in settings providing diagnostic and rehabilitative auditory services:
- Hospitals and Clinics
- Private Practice Offices
- Schools and Educational Institutions
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Research and Academic Settings
Work environments include offices, examination rooms, classrooms, and clinics.
Is This Career Difficult?
This career requires advanced education, technical knowledge, and patient care skills. Audiologists must diagnose complex conditions, fit devices accurately, and provide ongoing patient support.
Who Should Consider This Career?
This career may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy healthcare and patient interaction
- Are detail-oriented and analytical
- Can use technical equipment accurately
- Have strong communication and counseling skills
- Want a career improving hearing, balance, and quality of life for patients
How to Prepare Early
- Take courses in biology, anatomy, and health sciences
- Gain experience through internships or volunteering in healthcare or audiology clinics
- Develop communication, patient care, and analytical skills
- Explore undergraduate programs in communication sciences or related fields
- Plan for doctoral-level education and clinical training in audiology
Audiologists assess, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders, providing patients with devices, therapy, and guidance to improve auditory health and quality of life.
Career Video
Key facts
Top Skills
StartRight Career Intelligence Metrics
Job Growth Outlook
+9.0%Automation Risk Assessment
Low RiskWork-Life Balance Score
10.0/10Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling
Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor
Strengths
- High Demand
- Flexible Work
- Continuous Learning
Challenges
- Burnout Risk
- Rapid Technological Change
Median Salary Comparison
Employment projection (2024–2034)
Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis
BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05States with Highest Employment
- California 1,370
- Ohio 1,310
- Georgia 960
- Florida 820
- Pennsylvania 780
- Texas 710
- New York 670
- Illinois 570
- Colorado 500
- Arizona 450
Regional Wage Variations
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California +34%$123,600
-
Ohio -17%$76,720
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Georgia +11%$101,920
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Florida -10%$83,290
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Pennsylvania -5%$87,210
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Texas +12%$103,460
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New York +7%$98,750
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Illinois -8%$84,520
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Colorado 3%$94,670
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Arizona +11%$102,130