Career comparison
Hearing Aid Specialist vs. Optician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Hearing aid specialists earn more at the median ($65,160 vs. $47,260), while hearing aid specialists usually get to work faster (6–12 months of training). Hearing aid specialists test hearing and fit hearing aids so people can hear better. Opticians fit eyeglasses and contact lenses so patients see clearly and comfortably.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Hearing Aid Specialist | Optician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $65,160 ($31.33/hr) | $47,260 ($22.72/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $38,400 – $94,020 | $35,610 – $76,750 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +19.4% (much faster than average) | +4.2% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 900 | 5,600 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 6–12 months | 1–2 years on the job |
| Key credential | State hearing aid dispenser license | ABO Certification |
| Work setting | Specialists work in hearing aid centers, retail clinics and audiology practices.. | Opticians work in optical stores, eye doctor offices and retail chains.. |
What each job does
Hearing Aid Specialist
- Test hearing
- Recommend hearing aids
- Take ear impressions
- Program and fit hearing aids
- Teach use and care
Optician
- Help customers choose frames and lenses
- Take facial and eye measurements
- Interpret prescriptions
- Order lenses
- Fit and adjust eyewear
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, and indoor work. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose hearing aid specialist if…
- I want to help older adults
- I like technology
- I’m patient
Choose optician if…
- I like helping customers
- I have an eye for style
- I like precise measurements
Still torn? Take the Hearing Aid Specialist fit quiz and the Optician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, hearing aid specialist or optician?
Hearing Aid Specialists earn more at the median: $65,160 versus $47,260 for opticians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Hearing Aid Specialists typically train faster (6–12 months) than opticians (1–2 years on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects hearing aid specialists to grow +19.4% from 2025–35, compared with +4.2% for opticians.