Audiologists held about 12,000 jobs in 2006. More than half
of all jobs were in health care facilities—offices of
physicians or other health practitioners, including
audiologists; hospitals; and outpatient care centers. About 13
percent of jobs were in educational services, including
elementary and secondary schools. Other jobs for audiologists
were in health and personal care stores, including hearing aid
stores; scientific research and development services; and State
and local governments.
A small number of audiologists were self-employed in private
practice. They provided hearing health care services in their
own offices or worked under contract for schools, health care
facilities, or other establishments.
Average employment growth is projected. However, because of
the small size of the occupation, few job openings are expected.
Job prospects will be favorable for those possessing the Au.D.
degree.
Employment change. Employment of audiologists
is expected to grow 10 percent from 2006 to 2016, about as fast
as the average for all occupations. Hearing loss is strongly
associated with aging, so rapid growth in older population
groups will cause the number of people with hearing and balance
impairments to increase markedly. Medical advances also are
improving the survival rate of premature infants and trauma
victims, who then need assessment and sometimes treatment.
Greater awareness of the importance of early identification and
diagnosis of hearing disorders in infants also will increase
employment. A number of States require that newborns be screened
for hearing loss and receive appropriate early intervention
services.
Employment in educational services will increase along with
growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments, including
enrollment of special education students.
Growth in employment of audiologists will be moderated by
limitations on reimbursements made by third-party payers for the
tests and services they provide.
Job prospects. Job prospects will be favorable
for those possessing the Au.D. degree. Only a few job openings
for audiologists will arise from the need to replace those who
leave the occupation, because the occupation is relatively small
and workers tend to stay in this occupation until they retire.
|
Projections data from the
National Employment Matrix
|
|
|
Occupational title
|
SOC Code
|
Employment, 2006
|
Projected
employment,
2016
|
Change, 2006-16
|
|
|
Number
|
Percent
|
|
|
Audiologists
|
29-1121
|
12,000
|
13,000
|
1,200
|
10
|
|
|
|
|
Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary audiologists were
$57,120 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between
$47,220 and $70,940. The lowest 10 percent earned less than
$38,370, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $89,160.
Some employers may pay for continuing education courses.
