Career comparison
Audiologist vs. Hearing Aid Specialist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Audiologists earn more at the median ($95,780 vs. $65,160), while hearing aid specialists usually get to work faster (6–12 months of training). Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing loss and balance problems. Hearing aid specialists test hearing and fit hearing aids so people can hear better.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Audiologist | Hearing Aid Specialist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $95,780 ($46.05/hr) | $65,160 ($31.33/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $64,610 – $133,120 | $38,400 – $94,020 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +11.0% (much faster than average) | +19.4% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 600 | 900 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 8 years after high school | 6–12 months |
| Key credential | State audiology license | State hearing aid dispenser license |
| Work setting | Audiologists work in clinics, hospitals, ENT practices, schools and hearing aid practices.. | Specialists work in hearing aid centers, retail clinics and audiology practices.. |
What each job does
Audiologist
- Test hearing and balance
- Diagnose hearing loss
- Fit and program hearing aids
- Manage cochlear implants
- Treat tinnitus
Hearing Aid Specialist
- Test hearing
- Recommend hearing aids
- Take ear impressions
- Program and fit hearing aids
- Teach use and care
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, indoor work, and in-demand. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose audiologist if…
- I want to help people hear
- I like technology
- I’m patient with older adults and kids
Choose hearing aid specialist if…
- I want to help older adults
- I like technology
- I’m patient
Still torn? Take the Audiologist fit quiz and the Hearing Aid Specialist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, audiologist or hearing aid specialist?
Audiologists earn more at the median: $95,780 versus $65,160 for hearing aid specialists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Hearing Aid Specialists typically train faster (6–12 months) than audiologists (8 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects hearing aid specialists to grow +19.4% from 2025–35, compared with +11.0% for audiologists.