There are currently an estimated 14,800 audiologists in the United States. The audiologist job market is expected to grow by 20.3% between 2016 and 2026.

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 4,900 audiologists. That number is based on 3,000 additional audiologists, and the retirement of 1,900 existing 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 New York, California, Texas

Audiologist job market by state

State Name Employed Audiologists
New York 980
California 960
Texas 800
Florida 700
Pennsylvania 600
Ohio 490
Georgia 460
Washington 440
Michigan 440
North Carolina 430
Illinois 380
Virginia 370
Massachusetts 350
Tennessee 330
New Jersey 330
Colorado 290
Maryland 260
Indiana 230
Missouri 220
Arizona 220
Wisconsin 220
Minnesota 190
Iowa 180
Oregon 160
Louisiana 160
Utah 140
Arkansas 120
District of Columbia 120
Mississippi 110
South Carolina 110
Kansas 110
Connecticut 100
Kentucky 100
Alabama 90
West Virginia 90
Oklahoma 80
Montana 70
New Hampshire 70
Nebraska 60
New Mexico 60
North Dakota 50
Maine 30