To become an audiologist, you'll earn a bachelor's degree, then a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree, which typically takes four years and includes supervised clinical practice, then get licensed in your state. All states require audiologists to be licensed, and an accredited Au.D. is the usual core requirement.
It's a doctoral-level healthcare career in a small, fast-growing field. Here's the route and what it pays.
Figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, read on 26 October 2026.
How to become an audiologist, step by step
- Finish a bachelor's degree. You need one to enter an Au.D. program.
- Complete a Doctor of Audiology. Expect about four years covering anatomy and physiology, diagnosis and treatment, and statistics, plus supervised clinical practice.
- Get your state license. Requirements vary but typically include an Au.D. from an accredited program. Contact your state's licensing board for specifics.
- Consider a certification. Optional credentials usually need an accredited Au.D. and an exam. Some employers require or prefer them, and in some states they help you meet licensing rules.
Diagnosing is what sets you apart
Here's the distinction people miss. BLS says audiologists' ability to diagnose as well as treat patients is what distinguishes their work from that of hearing aid specialists. You'll use audiometers and other devices to measure what someone hears and find the cause of hearing loss, then decide on treatment, which can range from cleaning wax out of ear canals to fitting hearing aids.
Audiologists also work with physicians and surgeons on patients whose hearing may improve with cochlear implants. That clinical depth is why the job needs a doctorate.
What audiologists earn
| Employer | Median pay, May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | $103,700 |
| Educational services | $98,110 |
| Offices of physicians | $92,620 |
| Offices of therapists and audiologists | $81,730 |
Those figures are as of October 2026. Overall, the median for audiologists was $95,780, with the lowest 10% earning less than $64,610 and the highest 10% more than $133,120. Hospitals paid the most.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of audiologists to grow 11% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average. It's a small field, with 14,200 jobs in 2025 and about 600 openings each year, so there aren't many audiologists but demand for them is rising.
What audiologists do
- Examining patients with conditions of the outer, middle or inner ear
- Diagnosing problems such as hearing loss and tinnitus
- Creating treatment plans to meet patients' goals
- Fitting and dispensing hearing aids and other listening devices
- Counseling patients and families on ways to communicate, such as lip reading or technology
- Monitoring patients and adjusting treatment over time
- Teaching patients how to prevent hearing loss
BLS highlights communication, compassion, patience and critical thinking, since patients may be frustrated by hearing or balance problems. Most audiologists work in physicians' offices, audiology clinics and hospitals, and some work in schools and travel between sites. If you're exploring other clinical careers, see the physician assistant route or browse these healthcare jobs in demand now.
Is audiology right for you?
- Am I ready for a doctorate? The Au.D. is about four years after college.
- Do I enjoy both science and people? Testing is technical, and counseling is personal.
- Hospital, clinic or school? Hospitals paid the highest median in the BLS data.
Who audiologists work with
Audiology is team-based. BLS says audiologists may work closely with audiology assistants, physicians and surgeons, registered nurses and speech-language pathologists. Some, such as those contracted by a school system, travel between facilities. Most work full time, and some work weekends and evenings to fit patients' needs.
They also research the causes and treatment of hearing and balance disorders, and they evaluate patients regularly to adjust treatment. If you like long-term patient relationships and solving technical problems, that combination is a big part of the appeal. It's also why the doctorate includes statistics: you'll be reading test results and research with a critical eye throughout your career.
How long it takes
| Stage | Typical length |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | Usually 4 years |
| Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) | About 4 years, including supervised clinical practice |
| State license | Required in every state; rules vary |
| Optional certification | Needs an accredited Au.D. and an exam |
That's about eight years after high school before you practice independently. Compare programs on their clinical placements, because supervised practice is where you'll build the confidence to diagnose and the habits you'll rely on for years.
My verdict
Becoming an audiologist takes a bachelor's degree, a four-year Au.D. and a state license, so it's a serious commitment. In return you get a clinical role that diagnoses as well as treats, strong pay and much faster than average growth. Check your state board's rules before you apply to programs, and aim for hospital placements if pay is a priority.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become an audiologist?
A bachelor's degree plus a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) that typically takes four years, then a state license.
What degree do audiologists need?
A Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) from an accredited program.
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How much do audiologists make?
BLS reports a median of $95,780 a year in May 2025, and $103,700 in hospitals.
Do audiologists need a license?
Yes. All states require audiologists to be licensed.
What's the difference between an audiologist and a hearing aid specialist?
BLS says audiologists can diagnose as well as treat patients, which distinguishes their work from hearing aid specialists.
Is audiology a growing field?
Yes. BLS projects 11% growth from 2025 to 2035.
Where do audiologists work?
Mostly in physicians' offices, audiology clinics and hospitals, with some in schools.
Do audiologists work with other healthcare professionals?
Yes. BLS says they work closely with audiology assistants, physicians and surgeons, registered nurses and speech-language pathologists.
Do audiologists work weekends?
Some do, to meet patients' needs, though most work full time on a regular schedule.
Can audiologists work in schools?
Yes. BLS says some work in schools or for school districts and travel between facilities.
Do audiologists fit hearing aids?
Yes. Fitting and dispensing hearing aids and other assistive listening devices is one of their typical duties.
How many audiologists are there?
BLS counted 14,200 audiologists in 2025, with about 600 openings a year projected.
Do you need certification to be an audiologist?
No, a license is required but certification is optional. Some employers prefer it, and in some states it helps you meet licensing rules.
