Audiologist
Diagnose and treat hearing loss and balance problems.
- $95,780
- 8 years after high school
Healthcare career
Hearing Aid Specialist
Also called: Hearing Instrument Specialist · Hearing Aid Dispenser · HIS · Hearing Care Professional
What hearing aid specialists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a hearing aid specialist do?
Hearing aid specialists test hearing, select and fit hearing aids, and teach patients how to use and care for them. The median pay is $65,160 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–12 months, and employment is projected to grow +19.4% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$65,160$31.33/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+19.4%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year900Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train6–12 monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs11,200Employment, 2025
What hearing aid specialists do
Hearing aid specialists help people reconnect with sound. They test hearing, recommend hearing aids that fit a person’s loss and lifestyle, take ear impressions, program and fit devices, teach care and adjust settings over time. Many work in hearing aid centers, retail clinics or with audiologists.
Most have a high school diploma and complete moderate on-the-job training or a certificate program, then pass a state licensing exam. BLS projects much faster than average growth as the population ages.
Typical duties
- Test hearing
- Recommend hearing aids
- Take ear impressions
- Program and fit hearing aids
- Teach use and care
- Adjust and repair devices
- Refer medical concerns
Work environment and schedule
Specialists work in hearing aid centers, retail clinics and audiology practices.
Schedule: Most work full-time; retail settings may include weekends.
A day in the life
- Test a new patient’s hearing.
- Explain hearing aid options.
- Take ear impressions.
- Fit and program new hearing aids.
See a full day in the life of a hearing aid specialist →
Hearing Aid Specialist salary
Half of hearing aid specialists earned more than $65,160 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $38,400 for the lowest 10% to $94,020 for the top 10%.
Full hearing aid specialist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a hearing aid specialist
- Get hired as a trainee
- Study hearing science
- Practice fittings
- Pass the licensing exam
- Advance
A high school diploma plus moderate on-the-job training or a certificate program is typical, followed by state licensing.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a hearing aid specialist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Hearing testing
- Hearing aid programming
- Ear impressions
- Device troubleshooting
- Counseling
People skills
- Patience
- Communication
- Empathy
- Persuasion
All hearing aid specialist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much faster-than-average growth
- Short training path
- Help people hear again
- Good earning potential
Cons
- Sales targets
- Licensing exam
- Retail hours
- Frustrated new users
Certifications and licenses
- State hearing aid dispenser license: Required in all states.
- NBC-HIS certification: National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences.
- Manufacturer training: Device-specific.
- IHS International Licensing Exam: Used by many states.
Career path
- Trainee: Learn fittings.
- Licensed Specialist: Fit hearing aids.
- Clinic Manager: Run a center.
- Practice Owner: Own a hearing practice.
Learn the job before day one
Our Hearing Aid Specialist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as fit a first pair of hearing aids and fix feedback, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Optician
Fit eyeglasses and contact lenses so patients see clearly and comfortably.
- $47,260
- 1–2 years on the job
Medical Assistant
Room patients, take vitals, give injections and keep clinic records accurate.
- $45,690
- 9–12 months
Retail Sales Associate
Help shoppers find what they need and keep stores running smoothly.
- $35,410
- 1–2 weeks
Compare: Hearing Aid Specialist vs. Audiologist · Hearing Aid Specialist vs. Optician · Hearing Aid Specialist vs. Medical Assistant · Hearing Aid Specialist vs. Retail Sales Associate
Hearing Aid Specialist FAQ
Do hearing aid specialists need a license?
Yes, all states license them.
What’s the difference from an audiologist?
Audiologists have doctorates and diagnose broader conditions; specialists focus on fitting hearing aids.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.
How much does a hearing aid specialist make?
The median annual wage for hearing aid specialists was $65,160 ($31.33 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,400 and the highest 10% earned more than $94,020.
How long does it take to become a hearing aid specialist?
Most people need about 6–12 months of training. A high school diploma plus moderate on-the-job training or a certificate program is typical, followed by state licensing.
Do you need a degree to be a hearing aid specialist?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More hearing aid specialist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-2092 (Hearing aid specialists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Hearing aid specialists (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.