Career comparison
Audiologist vs. Speech-Language Pathologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Speech-language pathologists earn more at the median ($97,870 vs. $95,780), while speech-language pathologists usually get to work faster (6–7 years of training). Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing loss and balance problems. Speech-language pathologists help people with speech, language, voice and swallowing problems.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Audiologist | Speech-Language Pathologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $95,780 ($46.05/hr) | $97,870 ($47.05/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $64,610 – $133,120 | $62,900 – $134,160 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +11.0% (much faster than average) | +16.6% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 600 | 12,500 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Master's degree |
| Training time | 8 years after high school | 6–7 years |
| Key credential | State audiology license | CCC-SLP (ASHA) |
| Work setting | Audiologists work in clinics, hospitals, ENT practices, schools and hearing aid practices.. | SLPs work in schools, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing facilities, private practices and via telehealth.. |
What each job does
Audiologist
- Test hearing and balance
- Diagnose hearing loss
- Fit and program hearing aids
- Manage cochlear implants
- Treat tinnitus
Speech-Language Pathologist
- Evaluate speech, language and swallowing
- Diagnose communication disorders
- Plan and lead therapy
- Treat swallowing disorders
- Teach communication strategies
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, steady routines, 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 speech-language pathologist if…
- I want to help people communicate
- I’m patient and creative
- I like working with kids or adults
Still torn? Take the Audiologist fit quiz and the Speech-Language Pathologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, audiologist or speech-language pathologist?
Speech-Language Pathologists earn more at the median: $97,870 versus $95,780 for audiologists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Speech-Language Pathologists typically train faster (6–7 years) than audiologists (8 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects speech-language pathologists to grow +16.6% from 2025–35, compared with +11.0% for audiologists.