The median annual audiologist salary in the United States is $95,780, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics release. That single number, while useful, only tells part of the story. Depending on where you practice, what setting you work in, and how many years of experience you bring, audiologist compensation can range from under $65,580 to above $135,160. For pre-health students weighing audiology against other healthcare paths, understanding the full salary picture is essential to making a well-informed decision.
Audiology is a doctoral-level profession that requires significant educational investment, typically a four-year Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree after completing undergraduate prerequisites. Knowing how much audiologists actually earn, and where those earnings tend to be highest, helps you assess whether the time, cost, and effort involved line up with your financial expectations and professional goals. Below, we break down the salary data in detail, cover the job outlook, and address common questions from students evaluating this career.
What an Audiologist Does and Where They Work
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders across all age groups, from newborns through older adults. Their clinical work includes performing comprehensive hearing evaluations using tools like pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions testing, and auditory brainstem response testing. They also recommend and fit hearing aids, program cochlear implants, provide vestibular rehabilitation therapy, and counsel patients and families on managing hearing-related conditions.
It is worth noting that audiologists are not hearing aid salespeople. That misconception persists, but the reality is that hearing aid fitting represents only one component of a much broader scope of practice. Audiologists also work in preventive care, educating patients about hearing conservation, and some specialize in areas like pediatric audiology, electrophysiology, or industrial audiology.
In terms of work settings, the BLS May 2025 data shows the following distribution of audiologist employment: approximately 31% work in offices of physicians, 21% in hospitals (state, local, and private), 16% in offices of other health practitioners, 10% in educational services, and 9% in speech, language, and hearing centers. Others work in private practice, VA hospitals, military facilities, universities, or for manufacturers of audiological equipment. This variety of settings is one reason compensation figures differ so much from one audiologist to the next.
Audiologist Salary Breakdown: National Data, Ranges, and Factors That Affect Pay
The BLS occupational data for audiologists provides the most reliable national compensation figures. As of the May 2025 release, the key numbers are:
The median annual wage for audiologists is $95,780. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $65,580, while the highest 10% earn more than $135,160. That roughly $70,000 spread between the bottom and top deciles reflects the significant impact of geography, employer type, and career stage on pay.
Pay by Setting
Work setting is one of the strongest predictors of audiologist compensation. Audiologists employed in hospitals or physician offices may earn differently than those in educational services or speech and hearing centers. Generally, medical settings and private practices in metropolitan areas tend to offer higher pay than school-based or nonprofit positions, though benefits packages and work-life balance considerations also factor into the total compensation picture.
Pay by Experience
As with most healthcare professions, experience matters. Early-career audiologists, particularly those fresh out of their Au.D. programs, typically earn salaries closer to the lower end of the range. With several years of clinical practice, specialized certifications, and patient-base development, earnings tend to climb toward and past the median. Audiologists who open their own practices or take on leadership roles in hospital departments may reach the upper end of the pay scale.
Pay by State and Region
Geographic location plays a major role in audiologist compensation. States with higher costs of living, greater demand for audiological services, or fewer practicing audiologists per capita generally offer higher wages. Conversely, states with lower demand or a higher supply of audiologists may pay below the national median. The BLS publishes state-level wage estimates as part of its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Students seriously considering audiology should review those state-specific figures to understand what pay looks like in the areas where they plan to live and work.
Job Outlook for Audiologists Through 2036
The BLS projects that audiologist employment will grow by approximately 7% over the coming decade, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. That projected growth translates to roughly 1,200 new positions added nationally.
Several factors drive this demand. The aging U.S. population is a primary one; age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) affects a growing number of older adults. According to the NIDCD quick statistics on hearing, approximately 15% of American adults aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing, a figure that climbs with age. Increased awareness of hearing health, expanded newborn hearing screening programs, and broader recognition of the connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline also contribute to demand.
That said, with roughly 15,300 total audiologist positions nationally (BLS, May 2025), audiology is a relatively small profession. Job openings in any given year may be limited in certain regions. Students should consider geographic flexibility and willingness to work in underserved areas when evaluating their long-term prospects.
Education, Licensure, and the Path to Becoming an Audiologist
Becoming an audiologist requires earning a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree from an accredited program. These programs typically take four years to complete after undergraduate education and include extensive supervised clinical rotations. Admission to Au.D. programs is competitive, and prerequisites generally include coursework in biology, physics, chemistry, anatomy, and communication sciences.
All 50 states require audiologists to hold a license to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include graduating from an accredited Au.D. program, completing a specified number of supervised clinical hours, and passing the Praxis Examination in Audiology administered by the Educational Testing Service. Many audiologists also pursue the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, which is widely recognized as a professional standard.
For pre-health students still deciding among career paths, it is important to understand that the Au.D. is a clinical doctorate, not a research degree (though some audiologists pursue a Ph.D. for research or academic careers). The investment of time and money is substantial, which makes salary and job outlook data especially relevant to your planning.
How Audiology Compares to Other Healthcare Careers
Students exploring healthcare careers often want to compare compensation across fields. The audiologist median of $95,780 positions it comfortably above many allied health professions but below physician and dentist salaries, which require additional years of training and, in many cases, residency. Compared to occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physician assistants, audiologist pay falls in a similar range, though the total number of available positions is considerably smaller.
What distinguishes audiology is its specificity. You are committing to a focused area of healthcare: hearing and balance. If that clinical focus excites you, the career offers meaningful patient relationships, diagnostic problem-solving, and the satisfaction of directly improving patients’ quality of life. If you prefer broader clinical scope, other paths may be a better fit.
Pre-health students benefit from gaining clinical exposure early, whether through shadowing audiologists, observing in ENT departments, or participating in structured healthcare programs that provide supervised observation across specialties. That kind of firsthand perspective helps you evaluate fit before committing to a four-year doctoral program.
Practical Steps for Students Considering Audiology
Start by shadowing a licensed audiologist. Even a few hours in a clinic will give you a realistic sense of the daily work: conducting hearing tests, counseling patients, fitting devices, and managing follow-up care. Ask about their career path, what surprised them, and what they wish they had known before entering the field.
Review the latest salary and employment data directly. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook provides regularly updated figures, and state-level data can help you plan geographically. Professional organizations like the American Academy of Audiology also offer resources for students considering the profession.
If you are still early in your pre-health journey, focus on building a strong foundation in science coursework, gaining varied clinical observation hours, and developing the communication and critical thinking skills that serve any healthcare career. Audiology values careful listening, both in the literal and interpersonal senses, and your ability to connect with patients across ages and backgrounds will matter as much as your technical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an audiologist make compared to a speech-language pathologist?
The median annual salary for audiologists is $95,780 (BLS, May 2025). Speech-language pathologists earn a median that is in a broadly similar range, though exact figures differ by specialty, setting, and location. Both professions require graduate-level education, but audiology specifically requires a doctoral degree (Au.D.), while speech-language pathology requires a master’s degree. Students should compare the latest BLS data for both professions side by side when evaluating their options.
Do audiologists need a doctorate to practice?
Yes. The standard entry-level degree for audiologists is the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), which is a four-year clinical doctoral program completed after undergraduate education. All states require licensure, which includes graduating from an accredited program, completing supervised clinical experience, and passing a national examination. There is no shortcut or alternative credential that allows you to practice as an audiologist in the United States.
Is audiology a growing field?
The BLS projects 7% employment growth for audiologists over the coming decade, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven primarily by the aging population and increased awareness of hearing health. However, the profession is relatively small, with approximately 15,300 total positions nationally, so the actual number of new jobs (roughly 1,200 over the decade) is modest. Geographic flexibility and willingness to work in underserved areas can improve your job prospects.
