The job market for audiologists in the United States

There are currently an estimated 15,800 audiologists in the United States. The audiologist job market is expected to grow by 9.5% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are audiologists?

CareerExplorer rates audiologists with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 1,500 audiologists.

Are audiologists in demand?

The small size and specialization of this occupation means that less than 5,000 positions will be created in the United States over the next decade. Still, as hearing loss and balance disorders are more common as people age, an aging baby-boomer population and longer life expectancies will gradually increase demand for audiologists. As technology leads to earlier diagnosis of infantile hearing disorders and greater numbers of trauma and stroke victims surviving their injuries, further openings in the field may occur. In addition, advances in hearing aid design may make the devices more appealing and lead to the need for more audiologists. Aspiring audiologists who choose to specialize in work-related hearing injuries and design products to prevent hearing damage may encounter enhanced job prospects. Demand is expected to increase for contracted audiologists providing services to convalescent centres and hospitals and for those working in schools, due to increasing enrolment, particularly of students with special needs. New audiologists who wish to practice in the U.S. must have a Doctorate Degree in audiology and must be licensed. To increase their marketability, most entrants to the field also pursue credentials offered by the American Board of Audiology and a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Over and above these professional requirements, audiologists who are patient, compassionate; and possess notable communication, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills will stand out among job applicants in this relatively small occupation. Future job opportunities for audiologists may be reduced because U.S. insurance companies are limiting reimbursements for audiology services, and some doctors are hiring ear technicians instead of referring their patients to audiologists.

What’s the supply of audiologists?

The audiologist industry is concentrated in California, Ohio, Texas

Audiologist job market by state