Audiologists
SOC Code: 29-1181
Audiologists carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $92,120 and +9.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 15,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Audiologists (SOC 29-1181) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 15,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +9.5% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $92,120, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Audiologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Maintain patient records at all stages, including initial and subsequent evaluation and treatment activities.
- 2. Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine diagnoses and courses of treatment.
- 3. Fit, dispense, and repair assistive devices, such as hearing aids.
- 4. Administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.
- 5. Monitor patients' progress and provide ongoing observation of hearing or balance status.
- 6. Instruct patients, parents, teachers, or employers in communication strategies to maximize effective receptive communication.
- 7. Counsel and instruct patients and their families in techniques to improve hearing and communication related to hearing loss.
- 8. Refer patients to additional medical or educational services, if needed.
- 9. Participate in conferences or training to update or share knowledge of new hearing or balance disorder treatment methods or technologies.
- 10. Examine and clean patients' ear canals.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Sales and Marketing
- Computers and Electronics
- Biology
- Education and Training
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Audiologists?
Audiologists has an AI exposure score of 24%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Audiologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Audiologists is projected to grow by 9.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 15,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Audiologists?
Key skills for Audiologists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Audiologists earn?
The median annual wage for Audiologists is $92,120, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Audiologists?
The typical entry-level education for Audiologists is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Audiologists?
Audiologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).