The State of School Audiologist Careers
Imagine trying to learn in a classroom where you can’t fully hear or understand what’s being taught—that’s where school audiologists come in.
Educational audiologists play a crucial role in schools, helping students with hearing difficulties receive the educational experience they deserve. Without them, kids might fall behind—not due to a lack of capability—but because of something as basic as not being able to hear the teacher.
In this report on the State of School Audiologist Careers from ProCare Therapy, learn everything you need to know about the current job outlook, demand, and key responsibilities of the essential role.
What is a School Audiologist?
School audiologists are professionals specifically trained to assess, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance issues in students. They ensure that students of different levels of hearing ability have access to the same education as their peers. They do this by supporting them with the right tools and strategies they need, from hearing aids to specialized learning plans.
Audiologists who work within the education system don’t just operate as healthcare providers—they’re advocates for students with hearing difficulties. They understand how these issues impact learning and work closely with teachers and other school members to create an environment where these students can thrive. It’s a specialized role that is absolutely vital for inclusive education today.
Responsibilities of School Audiologists
School audiologist responsibilities are a mix of clinical and educational. On one hand, they conduct hearing screenings and assessments to identify students with hearing impairments. On the other hand, they may develop individualized education plans (IEPs) that detail how students with hearing challenges can best learn in the classroom. Some of the responsibilities of school audiologists might include:
- Conduct hearing screenings and evaluations for students.
- Diagnose hearing and balance disorders.
- Develop and implement treatment plans or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with hearing challenges.
- Fit, adjust, and maintain hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices.
- Collaborate with teachers, special education staff, and school administrators to support students’ learning needs.
- Educate staff on best practices for communicating with and supporting students who have hearing loss and provide recommendations for classroom accommodations.
- Monitor students’ progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Job Outlook for School Audiologists
The job outlook for school audiologists is promising, and employment is expected to grow thanks to an increased awareness of hearing issues in children and a push for more inclusive education environments. As more children are diagnosed with hearing impairments at younger ages, schools need professionals who can address these challenges. Audiologists will likely see more job openings, especially as schools focus on accommodating all students.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of audiologists is projected to grow 11% from 2023 to 2033, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
According to data from the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP), the top 10 states with the highest projected increase in audiologist job openings from 2022 to 2032 include:
- New Mexico (38.5%)
- Utah (35%)
- Arizona (34.8%)
- North Dakota (33.3%)
- Idaho (25%)
- South Dakota (25%)
- Texas (23.5%)
- California (23.1%)
- New York (22.2%)
- Florida (22%)
Demand for Audiologists
According to the BLS, only 10% of audiologists work in schools. Schools are experiencing a high demand for audiologists as the importance of early intervention is more widely recognized. The sooner a hearing issue is identified and addressed, the better a student’s chances of succeeding academically and socially.
More and more schools recognize this today and are investing in full-time or part-time audiologists to ensure that students with hearing challenges don’t slip through the cracks.
This rising demand has opened up opportunities for remote audiologist positions, which is a relatively new but growing field. With the surge in telehealth and advancements in hearing technology, audiologists can now assess, diagnose, and even treat patients from a distance—a game-changer, especially for individuals in rural or underserved areas where access to specialized care was once limited.
What are Remote Audiologists?
Remote audiologists do many of the same tasks as those who work on-site in schools. They conduct virtual meetings, review hearing tests, and interpret results using digital platforms.
While these roles are especially beneficial for schools and students in remote areas or where access to professionals is limited, remote work also offers numerous benefits for the professionals themselves, such as flexibility and the ability to help children located anywhere in the country.
Explore Careers as a School Audiologist
Pursuing an audiologist role in schools is a deeply rewarding career path. You’ll be helping kids overcome a barrier, giving them a chance to succeed in ways they might not have otherwise. You get to witness firsthand the difference it makes when a child can hear clearly for the first time, and every day, you’ll be making a tangible difference in a child’s life.
As a trusted provider of educational staffing, ProCare Therapy connects passionate professionals like you with schools in need of your services. Browse ProCare’s current openings for audiologists today!