The complexity of our communication is one major aspect that separates human beings from the animal kingdom. We’re not the only species to interact with one another using sounds, facial expressions, and gestures, but humans communicate with complexity, using thousands of spoken languages, each containing thousands of unique words and sounds. We even can communicate in sign languages that rely on hand motions and facial expressions.
When people can’t communicate with each other, it can be a frustrating experience. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists focus on communication challenges — helping people manage and overcome disorders that affect how they interact with others. A look at the roles of audiologist vs. speech-language pathologist reveals many similarities, but there are also differences in their education paths, treatment areas, job training, and more.
What Is an Audiologist?
Audiologists are medical professionals who diagnose and treat issues related to hearing and balance, including tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo, and noise sensitivity. If the diagnosed issue is treatable by a medical doctor, audiologists will refer their patients to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist; otherwise, they will explore options such as hearing aids and aural rehabilitation (the process of diagnosing different types of hearing loss and assessing how they might be treated).
A doctoral degree is necessary to practice audiology. Several undergraduate degrees can lead to advanced study and later becoming an audiologist, such as a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Audiologists work in many occupational areas, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, and schools, and some work as independent contractors.
Audiologist Salaries and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for audiologists was $92,120 as of August 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $61,930, while the highest 10% earned more than $129,830.
The outlook for those considering a career in audiology is optimistic. Audiologists held approximately 15,800 jobs in 2024, with employment projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, reaching 17,300 positions by 2034. This growth rate is faster than the average for all occupations (3%) and higher than the average for healthcare diagnosing and treating practitioners (8%). Audiologists work across a range of environments. The BLS reports that 29% of audiologists are employed in physicians’ offices, 26% in offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and audiologists, 14% in hospitals (state, local, and private), and 9% in educational services (state, local, and private). As of October 2025, the average annual salary for hospital-based audiologists in the United States is $87,247. These figures underscore the strong earning potential across healthcare and educational settings.
What Is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Speech-language pathologists work in a wide array of environments, helping people manage and overcome disorders of the mouth, throat, and tongue, many of which impact communication. Those in this role, which requires at least a master’s degree and certification, help manage symptoms stemming from issues such as Parkinson’s, a cleft palate, hearing loss, or a brain injury/stroke. They also help people overcome nonphysical difficulties, such as stuttering. Speech-language pathologists can work alone or in groups and are commonly found in educational services as well as in doctors’ offices and professional offices. In schools, a common work environment for speech-language pathologists, they help students with communication problems by coaching language use, fluency, and articulation.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries and Job Outlook
According to the BLS, there were 187,400 speech-language pathologists employed in the U.S. as of 2024 with employment projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the average for all occupations (3%) and nearly double the average growth rate for healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners (8%). Among all SLPs, 40% work in educational services (state, local, and private), 26% work in offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and audiologists, and 14% work in hospitals (state, local, and private). Another 4% are employed in nursing and residential care facilities, while 3% are self-employed.
The median annual salary for speech-language pathologists was $95,410 as of August 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $60,480, and the highest 10% earned more than $132,850. SLPs working in nursing and residential care facilities earned a median salary of $106,500, compared with $101,560 for those in hospitals, $98,470 for those in private practice or therapy offices, and $80,280 for those in educational settings.
Similarities Between Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
As communication-related medical professionals, there are some commonalities in the backgrounds and skills of audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Both need to have strong interpersonal abilities, patience, compassion, and empathy. Both spend time working one-on-one with patients with communication difficulties, who are likely frustrated and discouraged by their issues. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists also both require advanced degrees in their fields, as well as professional certification.
Differences Between Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) reports that it now represents approximately 241,000 professionals, including 14,177 certified audiologists and 610 individuals certified as both audiologists and speech-language pathologists.
If you’re interested in a career that helps those with communication struggles, you should spend some time investigating the responsibilities of an audiologist vs. speech-language pathologist to pursue the path best for you.
Treatment Areas
While audiologists and speech-language pathologists both help others with communication, they focus on different areas of the body. Speech-language pathologists have a broader focus. Their treatment and analysis can involve almost any part of the body above the neck, including the ears as well as the eyes/visual systems, tongue, mouth, and throat. In contrast, audiologists have a narrower focus. Their treatment and analysis are limited to the ears and auditory canal.
Licensing and Education
While both career paths will benefit from the same early steps — such as a bachelor’s degree in communication and ample hands-on experience — they quickly diverge. Education is one of the differences between an audiologist and a speech-language pathologist.
Since 2012, audiology candidates have been required to possess a doctoral degree to attain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A), issued by ASHA, or to earn certification from the American Board of Audiologists. They must also pass the Praxis exam in audiology, issued by ASHA. The primary degree for audiologists is the Doctor of Audiology, but that’s not the only option. Aspiring audiologists can also earn a Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Education, or Doctor of Science, but they must complete the requisite clinical requirements to sit for the certification exam.
Those seeking a future in speech-language pathology also require an advanced degree. While some aspiring professionals pursue a doctorate, a master’s degree suffices. They also must complete supervised training, pass the Praxis exam for speech-language pathology (issued by ASHA), and receive a certificate of competence through the CCC-SLP exam.
Place of Work
Speech-language pathologists continue to play a vital role in education, with around 40% working in schools and educational services to help children with speech and language challenges reach developmental milestones. In contrast, only about 9% of audiologists work in educational settings, with most employed in healthcare facilities, hospitals, private practices, and rehabilitation centers.
Audiologist vs. Speech-Language Pathologist: Which Is Right for You?
Both audiologists and speech-language pathologists help people who are struggling with communication disorders. Those who want to pursue a doctorate and work in a clinical setting might be more inclined to become an audiologist. On the other hand, a career as a speech-language pathologist might be right for those who like the idea of working in education. Regardless of which profession interests you, you can establish a strong educational foundation with a degree that can lead down either path. See how Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders can be the first step toward becoming an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). “Market Trends.”
Desert Hearing Care, “What Conditions do Audiologists Treat?”
Everyday Hearing, “What Everybody Ought to Know About Audiologists”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Audiologists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Speech-Language Pathologists