FAQ
Audiologist FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an audiologist.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an audiologist: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about audiologists
Do audiologists need a doctorate?
Yes, the AuD is the entry degree.
What’s the difference between an audiologist and a hearing aid specialist?
Audiologists diagnose and treat a wide range of hearing and balance problems; hearing aid specialists fit and sell hearing aids.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.
How much does an audiologist make?
The median annual wage for audiologists was $95,780 ($46.05 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $64,610 and the highest 10% earned more than $133,120.
How long does it take to become an audiologist?
Most people need about 8 years after high school of training. A Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from an accredited program is required, plus a state license.
Do you need a degree to be an audiologist?
Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
Is audiologist a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +11.0% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 600 openings each year. Upsides include faster-than-average growth; a common challenge is that doctoral degree required.
What skills does an audiologist need?
Key technical skills include audiometric testing, hearing aid fitting, cochlear implant programming, and vestibular testing. Employers also value patience, communication, and empathy.
What certifications are available for audiologists?
Common credentials include State audiology license, CCC-A (ASHA), American Board of Audiology certification, and Hearing aid dispensing license. All states license audiologists; some require a separate hearing aid dispensing license.
Still deciding?
Try the Audiologist fit quiz, compare with Hearing Aid Specialist, or explore Audiologist training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1181 (Audiologists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Audiologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.