Hearing Aid Specialists

SOC code 29-2092 · O*NET-SOC 29-2092.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Hearing Aid Specialists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$65,160

a year

Hourly

$31.33

per hour

10th$38,400Median$65,16090th$94,020

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$66,370

$31.91 per hour

Middle 50%

$48,390 – $80,010

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$38,400 – $94,020

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

11,270

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $38,400; $18.46/hr
25th percentile: $48,390; $23.27/hr
Median percentile: $65,160; $31.33/hr
75th percentile: $80,010; $38.47/hr
90th percentile: $94,020; $45.20/hr

What does a hearing aid specialist do?

Select and fit hearing aids for customers. Administer and interpret tests of hearing. Assess hearing instrument efficacy. Take ear impressions and prepare, design, and modify ear molds.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Train clients to use hearing aids or other augmentative communication devices.
Counsel patients and families on communication strategies and the effects of hearing loss.
Select and administer tests to evaluate hearing or related disabilities.
Administer basic hearing tests including air conduction, bone conduction, or speech audiometry tests.
Maintain or repair hearing aids or other communication devices.
Perform basic screening procedures, such as pure tone screening, otoacoustic screening, immittance screening, and screening of ear canal status using otoscope.
Create or modify impressions for earmolds and hearing aid shells.
Assist audiologists in performing aural procedures, such as real ear measurements, speech audiometry, auditory brainstem responses, electronystagmography, and cochlear implant mapping.

How to become a hearing aid specialist

Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 44% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Doctoral Degree44%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)22%
Post-Secondary Certificate12%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate12%

Common questions

How much does a hearing aid specialist earn?

The national median is $65,160 a year. The full range runs from $38,400 at the 10th percentile to $94,020 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a hearing aid specialist without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.9/5
Speaking3.4/5
Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Writing3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Active Learning3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.8/5
Sales and Marketing4.2/5
Therapy and Counseling4.2/5
Medicine and Dentistry4.1/5
Computers and Electronics4.0/5
Administrative4.0/5
English Language3.8/5
Administration and Management3.7/5

Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Instructing, Social Perceptiveness.