Profession · Full profile

Audiologist

Audiologists evaluate hearing and balance, fit assistive devices, and guide patients through care.

Average salary

$88,000

Salary range

$61,000 – $125,000

Training time

Typically four years after a bachelor's degree

Job market

Faster than average

8/10

Work-life balance

Generally balanced

Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing and balance problems in clinical environments. They run diagnostic evaluations, interpret detailed test results, and counsel patients alongside their families on coping strategies. A large part of clinical practice involves selecting, programming, and adjusting hearing aids and assistive devices. They also track changes in auditory health over time, refer individuals to other medical professionals when necessary, and maintain thorough clinical records for every encounter across offices, schools, and hospitals.

A workday

A day in the life

What does a workday really look like?

A daytime schedule at an outpatient audiology clinic focused on patient diagnostics and fittings.

8:30 AM
Preparation and record review
Reviewing patient charts and preparing diagnostic equipment for morning evaluations.
9:00 AM
Hearing evaluation
Conducting audiometric testing and evaluating auditory thresholds for a new patient.
10:30 AM
Device fitting and programming
Fitting digital hearing aids, programming amplification levels, and instructing the patient on device care.
12:00 PM
Lunch and chart documentation
Taking a midday break and recording clinical test findings in patient files.
1:00 PM
Balance assessment and counseling
Testing a patient reporting balance concerns and counseling family members on safety strategies.
2:30 PM
Follow-up adjustments and monitoring
Adjusting hearing aid settings and checking changes in hearing over time.
4:00 PM
Staff coordination
Meeting with clinic staff and contacting physician offices regarding patient referrals.
4:30 PM
Clinical administration
Finalizing electronic documentation, updating logs, and submitting supply orders.

Task breakdown

A clinical shift in a hospital setting involving outpatient testing and evening appointment slots.

10:00 AM
Equipment calibration and setup
Checking audiology instruments and reviewing inpatient consultation requests.
10:30 AM
Diagnostic auditory testing
Administering comprehensive hearing evaluations and interpreting complex test results.
12:30 PM
Documentation and multidisciplinary coordination
Logging diagnostic reports and consulting with hospital physicians on patient care plans.
1:30 PM
Lunch break
Midday rest break.
2:15 PM
Assistive device consultations
Meeting with patients to discuss assistive listening devices and communication options.
4:00 PM
Balance disorder testing
Performing balance tests and assessing patient symptoms.
5:30 PM
Evening outpatient fittings
Programming and adjusting hearing aids during scheduled evening patient visits.
6:30 PM
Final documentation and case review
Completing clinical notes and archiving patient data before ending the shift.

Salary data

What do you really earn?

Salary by experience, sector and region.

Minimum

$61,000

Average

$88,000

Maximum

$125,000

Salary by region

Region	Min	Avg.	Max
National	$61,000	$88,000	$125,000
California	—	$97,000	—
Texas	—	$85,000	—
Florida	—	$83,000	—
New York	—	$93,000	—
Illinois	—	$88,000	—

Salary by sector

Sector	Min	Avg.	Max
Offices of physicians	—	$92,000	—
Hospitals	—	$88,000	—
Offices of other health practitioners	—	$84,000	—

Typical benefits

Health insurance

Medical coverage provided through employers in clinical, educational, or hospital systems.

Retirement plans

Employer-sponsored retirement savings options available to staff audiologists.

Paid time off

Allotted paid vacation, personal days, and sick leave.

Continuing education support

Assistance for professional seminars and training required to maintain clinical licensing.

Pathways

Education pathways

Which paths lead to this profession?

Bachelor's degree

About four years

Bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders or a related field

A four-year undergraduate degree provides the foundational science education needed before entering a doctoral program in audiology.

Costs: About $11,950 a year in average published tuition and fees at a public four-year college for in-state students, and $45,000 at a private nonprofit four-year college
Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; program prerequisites vary.
High school subjects: Biology, physics, anatomy, and communication sciences.

Doctoral degree

Typically four years after a bachelor's degree

Doctor of Audiology (AuD)

The AuD is the standard professional degree required to enter practice, combining advanced coursework with supervised clinical rotations.

Costs: About $11,950 a year in average published tuition and fees at a public four-year college for in-state students, and $45,000 at a private nonprofit four-year college
Entry requirements: A bachelor's degree and completion of the program's prerequisites; admission requirements vary.
High school subjects: Advanced clinical audiology, vestibular assessment, acoustics, and supervised clinical practice.

License

Varies by state

State audiologist license

Mandatory state credentialing regulates audiology practice across all states, often requiring examination passage and continuing education.

Entry requirements: Requirements vary by state and commonly include an AuD from an accredited program and supervised clinical experience.
High school subjects: State regulations, clinical jurisprudence, and professional practice standards.

Profile

Skills & personality

Is this a good fit for you?

Hard skills

Audiometric testingConducting behavioral and electrophysiological assessments to measure auditory function and sensitivity.
Hearing aid fitting and programmingConfiguring, calibrating, and physically adjusting amplification devices to match individual patient needs.
Clinical assessmentExamining auditory and balance systems to identify physical abnormalities or functional disorders.
Interpretation of test resultsAnalyzing diagnostic findings to determine the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss.
Patient record documentationMaintaining accurate medical charts, evaluations, treatment plans, and ongoing care notes.
Knowledge of hearing and balance disordersUnderstanding auditory pathologies, vestibular conditions, and associated management methods.

Soft skills

CommunicationExplaining complex medical test results and communication strategies clearly to patients and their families.
EmpathySupporting individuals dealing with sensory loss and guiding them through emotional adjustments.
Attention to detailEnsuring precision during delicate diagnostic testing and device programming adjustments.
Problem-solvingTroubleshooting device malfunctions and tailoring care plans to specific acoustic challenges.

Is this a good fit for you?

✓
Patient and attentiveWilling to spend time helping patients adapt to new acoustic devices and communication methods.
✓
MethodicalApproaching diagnostic testing and device calibration with systematic care and consistency.
✓
CompassionateShowing genuine care when discussing chronic hearing or balance challenges with families.
✓
ObservantNoticing subtle physical symptoms or behavioral signs during balance and hearing assessments.
✓
AdaptableComfortable working across diverse patient age groups, clinic settings, and scheduling formats.

Market

Job market & outlook

What does the market look like?

Trend

Growth

Regional demand

California

Employment opportunities exist in medical centers, private clinics, and educational settings across the state.

Texas

Audiologists find positions in hospital systems, hearing aid providers, and physician offices.

Florida

Demand is driven by healthcare facilities, audiology clinics, and care for an aging population.

New York

Hospitals, academic institutions, and specialized audiology clinics employ licensed clinicians statewide.

Illinois

Practitioners work in healthcare offices, schools, and audiology departments throughout the region.

Growth

Career paths

Where can this profession take you?

Vertical growth

Audiologist
Providing diagnostic evaluations, patient counseling, and device fittings in clinics, hospitals, or private practices.
Senior or lead audiologist
Several years
Handling complex clinical cases while coordinating clinical workflow and mentoring junior staff.
Audiology clinic director
Substantial clinical and leadership experience
Managing facility operations, staffing, clinical policies, and departmental budgets.

Horizontal move

Hearing science researcher
Conducting scientific investigations into auditory function, device development, and treatment methodologies.
View Research Assistant
University faculty member
Teaching audiology courses, supervising graduate student clinical practica, and publishing research.
View Professor

Good to know

Practical info

Working hours: Usually full time; schedules may include evenings or weekends depending on the workplace.
Remote work: Some counseling, follow-up, and administrative work may be done remotely, but testing and device fitting usually require in-person visits.
Physical requirements: Frequent sitting and close work with patients and small devices; may need to stand, move equipment, or assist patients.
Typical employers: Audiology and hearing clinics, physicians' offices, hospitals, schools, retail hearing aid providers, and government agencies.
Professional associations: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Academy of Audiology.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does an audiologist do on a daily basis?

Audiologists evaluate hearing and balance conditions, perform diagnostic tests, and interpret clinical results. They also fit and program hearing aids, counsel patients on communication strategies, and monitor auditory health over time. In addition, clinicians maintain detailed documentation and refer patients to other medical providers when needed.

What degree is required to become an audiologist?

A Doctor of Audiology (AuD) is the standard professional degree required to practice in the United States. Preparing for an AuD typically involves completing a bachelor's degree first, often in communication sciences and disorders, biology, physics, or anatomy. The AuD program combines coursework with supervised clinical rotations.

Do audiologists need a state license?

Yes, all states regulate audiology practice through licensing or equivalent credentialing requirements. Candidates generally must hold an AuD from an accredited program, complete supervised clinical experience, and pass an examination. State licensing rules vary across jurisdictions, and continuing education is frequently required for license renewal.

Can audiologists work from home?

Some counseling, follow-up, and administrative tasks can be completed remotely through telehealth. However, core duties such as physical ear examinations, comprehensive audiometric testing, and device fittings require in-person appointments. Most clinicians therefore perform their primary work inside clinics, medical offices, or hospitals.

What work schedules do audiologists typically have?

Audiologists usually work full-time schedules during regular daytime business hours. Depending on the workplace, some positions may require evening or weekend appointments. For instance, clinicians based in hospitals or retail hearing aid providers may occasionally cover non-traditional shifts to accommodate patient availability.

What are the main work environments for audiologists?

Audiologists work in audiology clinics, physicians' offices, hospitals, schools, retail hearing aid providers, and government agencies. Their daily physical environment involves dedicated testing rooms, sound-treated booths, and office workstations where they program digital hearing aids and manage clinical records.

Are professional certifications available for audiologists?

Yes, optional professional certifications are available through national associations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Academy of Audiology. While a state audiologist license is legally required to practice, obtaining voluntary certification demonstrates adherence to national clinical standards and specialized professional knowledge.

Related professions

In depth

All about audiologist

The background, context and details.

Clinical evaluations and treatment

Audiologists evaluate patients with hearing and balance concerns. They perform detailed hearing tests and interpret the diagnostic results. They fit devices. When diagnostic evaluations show complex hearing loss or underlying health issues, audiologists recommend specific treatments, fit custom hearing aids, and refer individuals to physicians or other medical specialists for comprehensive medical care. They also counsel patients and their families about communication strategies. Care requires patience. Over time, clinicians monitor changes in hearing while maintaining accurate clinical records.

Work environments and daily hours

Most work full time. Schedules consist of mostly daytime hours, though some hospital or retail positions require evening or weekend shifts. Demand grows from an aging population and increased recognition of hearing conditions. Typical employers include the following:

Audiology and hearing clinics
Physicians' offices
Hospitals
Schools
Retail hearing aid providers
Government agencies

Some follow-up discussions and administrative tasks occur remotely. In-person visits remain essential for device adjustments.

Education and state licensure

Becoming an audiologist begins with an undergraduate degree. Relevant preparatory subjects include biology, physics, anatomy, and communication sciences. An AuD serves as the standard professional degree across the United States, requiring graduate study that combines structured classroom coursework with rigorous supervised clinical experience in health care environments. State licensing rules vary. Every state regulates practice through a state audiologist license or an equivalent state credential. In addition, practitioners can seek optional professional certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the American Academy of Audiology.

Physical requirements and daily clinical tools

The daily routine involves frequent sitting and meticulous work with small hearing aids. Clinicians also stand, move diagnostic equipment, and assist patients with physical mobility during appointments. Strong empathy is vital. Software tools assist clinicians with test analysis and device adjustments, but hands-on clinical assessment and direct personal interaction remain central to everyday professional practice across various settings. Check specific state licensing requirements before choosing an accredited doctoral program.