Audiologist Jobs
Training and Education Jobs and Salaries Audiology Programs
Audiologists hold about 12,000 jobs and more than half of all jobs are in health care facilities such as offices of physicians or other health practitioners, including audiologists, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. Over ten percent of jobs are in educational services, including elementary and secondary schools.
Other jobs for audiologists are in health and personal care stores, including hearing aid stores; scientific research and development services; and State and local governments. A small number of audiologists are self-employed in private practice. They provide hearing health care services in their own offices or work under contract for schools, health care facilities, or other establishments.
Average employment growth is projected however, because of the small size of the occupation, few job openings are expected. Job prospects will be favorable for those possessing the Au.D. degree. Employment of audiologists is expected to grow ten percent from 2006 to 2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Hearing loss is strongly associated with aging, so rapid growth in older population groups will cause the number of people with hearing and balance impairments to increase markedly. Medical advances also are improving the survival rate of premature infants and trauma victims, who then need assessment and sometimes treatment.
Greater awareness of the importance of early identification and diagnosis of hearing disorders in infants also will increase employment. A number of States require that newborns be screened for hearing loss and receive appropriate early intervention services.
Employment in educational services will increase along with growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments, including enrollment of special education students. Growth in employment of audiologists will be moderated by limitations on reimbursements made by third-party payers for the tests and services they provide.
Job prospects will be favorable for those possessing the Au.D. degree. Only a few job openings for audiologists will arise from the need to replace those who leave the occupation, because the occupation is relatively small and workers tend to stay in this occupation until they retire.
Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary audiologists are about $57,000. The middle fifty percent earn between $47,5000 and $71,000. The lowest ten percent earn less than $38,500, and the highest ten percent earn more than $89,000. Some employers may pay for continuing education courses.
Audiologists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing problems. Workers in related occupations include occupational therapists, optometrists, physical therapists, psychologists, recreational therapists, rehabilitation counselors, and speech-language pathologists. State licensing boards can provide information on licensure requirements. State departments of education can supply information on certification requirements for those who wish to work in public schools. For information on the specific requirements of your State, contact that State’s licensing board.