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How to Become An Audiologist

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What is a Audiologist

Audiologists help people hear better and live fuller lives by finding and treating hearing and balance problems. It is one of Australia’s most in-demand health careers right now. A shortage of audiologists exists in every state and territory (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). If you enjoy science and making a real difference in people’s daily lives, audiology could be for you.

Each day looks a little different in audiology. You might test a child’s hearing, fit a new hearing aid, or counsel a family about managing hearing loss. Audiologists use specialist tools to run tests and find what is causing a patient’s difficulties. They then design a care plan built around that person’s life and goals.

Audiologists work in hospitals, private clinics, schools, and community health centres. The work involves real teamwork with doctors, speech therapists, and other allied health workers. Around 2,600 audiologists are employed in Australia, and the field has a median age of just 37 (Your Career, 2024). There is energy, community, and room to grow at every stage of your career.

There are also great options to specialise. You could focus on baby and child hearing care, cochlear implants, tinnitus, or hearing care for workers in noisy jobs. The field keeps evolving as hearing tech improves. For a career that combines science, clinical skill, and direct human impact, audiology is hard to beat.

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Career Outlook for Audiologist

A career as an audiologist offers real job security and a chance to make a lasting difference. Australia faces a shortage of audiologists in every state and territory, so the job market is strong right now (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Around 2,600 audiologists are employed across the country. Future demand is rated Very Strong by the Your Career platform, placing audiology among Australia’s most sought-after health careers (Your Career, 2024).

The typical audiologist in Australia is 37 years old and works around 40 hours a week. Most are in permanent roles, with part-time positions for those who want more flexibility. Women make up 77% of the workforce, reflecting the broad appeal of audiology across different backgrounds. About 63% of audiologists work full-time. Median weekly pay sits at $1,971, or about $102,000 a year (Your Career, 2024). There is real room to grow as you specialise or move into senior roles.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Audiologist

Step 1: Complete an Undergraduate Degree in a Relevant Field

Start by completing a bachelor’s degree in a related area. Suitable options include a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Health Science, or Bachelor of Behavioural Science. Include subjects in biology, physics, or psychology. Full-time study takes three years at an Australian university.

Step 2: Enrol in a Master of Clinical Audiology at an Accredited University

Apply for a Master of Clinical Audiology at an Audiology Australia-accredited university. Programs are offered at institutions including Macquarie University, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Queensland. Full-time study takes two years. Entry requirements vary by institution, so check prerequisites before applying.

Step 3: Complete Your Supervised Clinical Placements

Your master’s degree includes required supervised clinical placements. You will work with real patients in hospitals, audiology clinics, and community settings under experienced audiologists. These placements build your diagnostic skills and your ability to use audiological equipment. Most programs need several hundred hours of supervised clinical practice.

Step 4: Register with a Recognised Professional Body

After graduating, apply for full membership with Audiology Australia (AudA) or the Australian College of Audiology incorporating HAASA (ACAud). These are the recognised practitioner professional bodies under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. In September 2025, Australia’s health ministers agreed to bring audiology under AHPRA. Check current requirements with Audiology Australia before applying.

Step 5: Obtain a Qualified Practitioner Number and Keep Learning

If you plan to see government-funded Hearing Services Program clients, apply for a QP number. Your employer can request this through the Hearing Services Program online portal. This requires active professional body membership. From there, commit to ongoing professional development through workshops, conferences, and peer learning offered by Audiology Australia.

What does an Audiologist do?

On a typical day, an audiologist sees patients of all ages who need help with their hearing. They run tests to find out what is causing a patient’s hearing difficulties and how severe the problem is. They then look at the results alongside other health data to build a clear picture. From there, they develop a care plan. This might include fitting a hearing aid, running a rehab programme, or working with other health workers. Audiologists also teach patients how to use hearing devices and help families understand the impact of hearing loss.

Tasks

Audiologists play a key role in Australian healthcare by helping people of all ages with hearing and balance problems. They use advanced testing tools and a patient-focused approach to reach the right diagnosis. From there, they create a care plan that addresses each person’s specific hearing needs. The work is varied, rewarding, and has a real impact on patients’ quality of life.

  • Administers and interprets a wide range of hearing tests to assess ability and find the source of problems.
  • Analyses test results alongside medical, social, and health data to build a full picture of the patient’s situation.
  • Evaluates response patterns and acoustic tests to tell the difference between physical and non-physical hearing loss.
  • Plans, directs, and takes part in counselling, speech reading, and other rehab programmes for patients.
  • Prescribes hearing aids and teaches patients how to use and care for their devices correctly.

Skills for Success

To thrive as an audiologist, you need both technical skills and a genuine ability to connect with people. The job requires skill in running hearing tests and reading results with care. You also need a solid understanding of how the ear works and what can go wrong. Strong problem-solving skills help when test results are unclear or a patient has a complex history.

Communication is at the heart of the role. You will often be the first to explain a diagnosis to someone who is scared or confused. Being calm, clear, and kind matters a great deal in these moments. Audiologists work as part of a wider health team, so strong team skills matter too. A love of learning will serve you well, as hearing tech and methods keep improving.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong communication and listening skills
  • Empathy and patience with patients
  • Analytical thinking and attention to detail
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Skill with audiometric test equipment
  • Knowledge of hearing disorders and treatment options
  • Ability to work well in a healthcare team
  • Patient counselling and education skills
  • Time management and organisational skills
  • Adaptability to new hearing technologies
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Written and verbal reporting skills

Average Salaries

Audiologists in Australia earn a median of about $102,000 a year, based on median weekly earnings of $1,971 (Your Career, 2024). Entry-level salaries start around $75,000. Senior audiologists and specialists can earn up to $140,000 or more. Pay grows with experience, specialisation, and the type of employer.

min $75 K

max $140 K

av $102 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.