Life As an Audiologist

Job Description & Duties Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems.

Life As an Audiologist

• Fit, dispense, and repair assistive devices, such as hearing aids.
• Measure noise levels in workplaces and conduct hearing conservation programs in industry, military, schools, and communities.
• Engage in marketing activities, such as developing marketing plans, to promote business for private practices.
• Perform administrative tasks, such as managing office functions and finances.
• Educate and supervise audiology students and health care personnel.
• Participate in conferences or training to update or share knowledge of new hearing or balance disorder treatment methods or technologies.

What Every Audiologist Should Know

These are the skills Audiologists say are the most useful in their careers:

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Types of Audiologists

• Clinical Audiologist
• Pediatric Audiologist
• Audiology Doctor (AUD)
• Speech and Hearing Clinic Director
• Audiology Director

Job Opportunities for Audiologists

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 14,800 jobs in the United States for Audiologists.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 20.7% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,100 new jobs for Audiologists by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,000 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Audiologists are Texas, New York, and California.

Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Idaho, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for Audiologists

The typical yearly salary for Audiologists is somewhere between $52,300 and $117,910. The median salary is $75,920.

How much do Audiologists make in each U.S. state?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
North Dakota	$123,100
District of Columbia	$101,760
California	$100,960
Oregon	$93,790
Delaware	$93,550
Iowa	$90,540
Maryland	$90,050
South Carolina	$88,500
Oklahoma	$87,470
New Jersey	$87,160
Arizona	$87,150
Illinois	$86,990
Washington	$86,670
Minnesota	$84,390
New York	$83,390
Wisconsin	$82,880
Colorado	$82,790
Connecticut	$80,190
Virginia	$79,880
Massachusetts	$79,700
Idaho	$78,830
Texas	$77,680
Georgia	$77,000
New Mexico	$76,290
Pennsylvania	$76,210
Wyoming	$74,810
Ohio	$73,290
Alabama	$72,600
Montana	$72,290
Indiana	$72,280
Tennessee	$71,780
Missouri	$71,610
Utah	$71,480
Michigan	$71,250
North Carolina	$69,510
Florida	$68,730
Nebraska	$68,090
Kansas	$67,580
Louisiana	$67,400
Kentucky	$66,900
Mississippi	$60,960
Alaska	$55,980

What Tools do Audiologists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Audiologists:

• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Office

Where Audiologists Are Employed

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming Audiologists might also be interested in the following careers:

• Orthotists and Prosthetists

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons