Audiologist
Audiologists are licensed healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss, balance disorders, and other auditory system issues in patients of all ages—from newborns to the elderly.
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Getting Started
How to Become a Audiologist
At 8 years to get started, this is faster than the 10.9 years average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Doctoral Degree (typically 8 years) at an estimated cost of $162k–$336k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for audiologist practice.
Begin Working
Audiologist earn a median salary of $92k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Pathway quick answers
- How do you become a Audiologist?Complete required education, licensing, and supervised training for Audiologist.
- How long does it take?Typical path to first paid role: 8 years.
- How much does it cost?Estimated education and training cost range: $162k-$336k (living expenses excluded).
Estimates use College Scorecard tuition data plus cited pathway and licensing requirements.
Overview
What Does a Audiologist Do?
Audiologists are licensed healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss, balance disorders, and other auditory system issues in patients of all ages—from newborns to the elderly. You'll conduct comprehensive diagnostic tests, select and fit hearing aids and assistive listening devices, program cochlear implants, perform vestibular testing for balance problems, and provide extensive counseling and rehabilitation to patients and their families. This career combines clinical expertise with patient education, requiring strong technical skills and compassionate communication.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Audiologist Make?
At $92k/yr, audiologist earn less than the $218k/yr average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
$92k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Audiologist | $92k/yr |
| Physician Assistant | $130k/yr |
| Internal Medicine Physician | $239k/yr |
| Family Medicine Physician | $239k/yr |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
After investing roughly $249k in education, audiologist typically begin earning within 8 years. Based on entry-level salaries of $69k/yr growing toward a $92k/yr median. The average education cost for Doctoral Degree-level careers is $294k.
Audiologist ROI
Net earnings over 20 years
$764k
Pre-tax 20-year estimate after required education and training costs; taxes and living expenses excluded.
How the 20-year estimate is calculated
Audiologist Career ROI (20-year net earnings)
Track how education costs and earnings typically accumulate from enrollment through year 20.
Cumulative net earnings (USD)
The full chart keeps 20-year context. The detail chart below zooms in on early pathway years.
Sources: BLS, College ScorecardSee Sources and methods.
Early-years detail
Years 0-10
Years 0-10. Scaled to early-year values. Black markers show key checkpoints.
Quick answers
- Is becoming a Audiologist financially worth it?Typical 20-year net estimate: $764k (pre-tax, living expenses excluded).
- How much does training cost for a Audiologist?Estimated required education and licensing cost to become a Audiologist: $249k (range used: $162k-$336k). Breakdown: Bachelor's Degree (Prerequisite): $124k; Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) Program: $124k; State Licensure Examination: $350.
- How long does it take to become a Audiologist?Typical time to first paycheck is about 8 years. Typical time to enter the target Audiologist role is about 8 years.
- How do you become a Audiologist?See How to Become for pathway steps, timing, and credential requirements.
Detailed math
How 20-year net is built from each training and career phase.
| Phase | Time window | Gross earnings | Education/training cost | Net contribution | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor's Degree (Prerequisite) Education | Years 0-3 (m0-m47) | $0 | -$124,334 | -$124,334 | |
Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) Program Education | Years 4-7 (m48-m95) | $0 | -$124,334 | -$124,334 | |
State Licensure Examination Training/Licensing | Year 8 (m96-m96) | $0 | -$350 | -$350 | |
Entry-Level Audiologist Career | Years 8-10 (m96-m131) | $276,372 | $0 | $276,372 | |
Optional Specialty Certification Training/Licensing | Year 11 (m132-m143) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Model reconciliation Reconciliation | Years 0-20 (m0-m239) | $736,948 | $0 | $736,948 | None |
| 20-year totals | $1,013,320 | -$249,018 | $764,302 | Matches 20-year ROI formula | |
Sources and methods
Sources
Assumptions
- Pathway sequence and timing follow the cited training and licensing pathway for this role.BLS
- Earnings benchmarks come from cited occupation wage references.BLS
- Education and training cost uses College Scorecard tuition and cited pathway fees when needed.College Scorecard
- Cost allocation follows a model rule: short completed steps post in completion year; longer tuition steps are spread across phase years.Model ruleBLSCollege Scorecard
- Taxes and living expenses are excluded from this estimate.Model rule
Future-Proofing
Audiologist Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 10% growth over the next decade — faster than the 4.3% average for Doctoral Degree-level careers. That's considered "much faster than average" by BLS standards.
10-Year Growth
10%
Much faster than average
Current Employment
14,500
jobs nationwide
AI Impact
High AI Impact
Audiologist roles face significant AI impact — higher AI exposure than most Doctoral Degree-level careers. AI independently handles one or more major task components in this field. Core responsibilities like state licensing requirements require human presence and judgment that AI cannot replicate.
Why It's Safe
- +Assisting and caring for others
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- +Resolving conflicts and negotiating with others
- +Coaching and developing others
- +Repairing and maintaining electronic equipment
What Could Be Automated
- −Working with computers
- −Performing for or working directly with the public
- −Getting information
- −Documenting/recording information
- −Making decisions and solving problems
Based on evidence-based AI impact methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
Explore More
Similar Careers to Compare
Physician Assistant
Internal Medicine Physician
Family Medicine Physician
Nurse Practitioner
Emergency Medicine Physician
Learn More
Related Guides
Sources
These references are used to build salary, training-path, and job-outlook estimates shown on this page.
Advanced Methodology
Education cost source id: college_scorecard_2025
Source update dates: BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12