25 Best States for Audiologists

Can you hear me now–then listen up to the 25 best states for audiologists. As a person who is half deaf, I have spent my share of time with audiologists–they are good people.  Plus, you get to spend a lot of time in soundproof booths that feel like refrigerators, with windows. It’s not the worst thing in the world.

Audiology is the branch of medicine that deals with hearing, balance, and disorders related to them. Depending on the patient problem, they can initiate many treatments and procedures like: cleaning ear canal, teaching patient lip reading, fitting a hearing aid, etc. Also, they may ask the patient to spend some time in a soundproof booth. Being an audiologist is a very profitable profession in America, especially because there are very few practitioners in the country.

According to United States Department of Labor, there are actually only 12,070 of these practitioners, who are all working at an average hourly wage of $37.22. Therefore the mean annual wage is $77,420. They are usually employed in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and audiology clinics. To become an audiologist you must have a doctoral degree, or an Aud.D. The doctoral degree in audiology is a four-year program, although at many universities there is a possibility to specialize in the areas such as pediatric, geriatric or educational audiology. As a kid I used to tear off my hearing aid and throw it in the garbage so pediatric audiologists really need to have patience.

Because the number of retired people in the country is increasing, and their hearing is decreasing, this sector is expecting to grow by 29% from 2014 to 2024. The baby boomer population gives ample opportunity for job growth in geriatric audiology as does longer life expectancy. This is a very small sector in America but still, it is good to know which states offer the best working conditions for this occupation. Also, if you’re interested in a larger career field be sure to check out 25 Best States for Architects.

The methodology that we use in this article requires that we first identify the states which have registered audiologists from the United States Department of Labor. Through this site, we find all usable data for this research, such as hourly and annual salary or wage data. We cross reference these numbers with Meric’s living cost index, which includes essential living costs such as health care costs, transportation costs, housing, etc. That is how we arrived at our results.

Now it’s time to see which state in the US offers the best place for an audiologist’s living and working conditions. Here is the list of best states for audiologists:

25. Nebraska

Hourly wage: $32.46

Cost of Living Index: 91.6

Employment: 100

The last place on this list is Nebraska. If we consider the indicator that we used this state is expensive because it has relatively high Meric’s living cost index which is 91.6 and not relatively low hourly audiologist’s earnings. The hourly wage is $32.46. There are only 100 audiologists in this state so finding a job as an audiologist here may be difficult.

24. Kentucky

Hourly wage: $32.15

Cost of Living Index: 90.5

Employment: 110

Slightly better in Kentucky, according to cost of living index, which is 90.5. That is a lower value than Nebraska and the hourly earnings for audiologist are the same. So, just as in a men’s college basketball game–Kentucky beats Nebraska. The hourly wage is $32.15 and there are currently 110 audiologists working in the state–slightly more than Nebraska but not by much.

23. South Carolina

Hourly wage: $35.30

Cost of Living Index: 99.2

Employment: 70

Compared to previous states, South Carolina has higher audiologist’s hourly wage, which will give South Carolinian audiologists more money in their pocket for a quick trip to Charleston! The hourly wage in this state is $35.30 and the cost of living index is 99.2, which is considered relatively good on Meric Living cost index list. There are only 70 audiologists in this state, which I’m sure if you live in South Carolina and need to find a good one, is hard to hear. But, in all likelihood, so is everything.

22. Utah

Hourly wage: $33.21

Cost of Living Index: 93

Employment: 180

Utah is 22nd place on the list. Audiology is a much more popular occupation in Utah according to the number of audiologists in this state. This state has 180 audiologists, which are the highest number on this list so far. The hourly wage is $33.21 and cost of living index is 93. It’s time to get salty up in Utah.

21. Ohio

Hourly wage: $33.56

Cost of Living Index: 93.8

Employment: 650

In Ohio, 650 audiologists are currently working, which are a very big number of relative to the other states mentioned. The hourly wage is $33.56 and the living cost index is 93.8.  There is also a bi-annual audiology conference held in Ohio each year.

20. Minnesota

Hourly wage: $36.08

Cost of Living Index: 100.8

Employment: 180

Minnesota is 20th place on the list. This state has 180 audiologists. The hourly wage is $36.08 and cost of living index is 100. The University of Minnesota’s Graduate School offers a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from the Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences.

19. Tennessee

Hourly wage: $32.49

Cost of Living Index: 89.4

Employment: 230

There is a very low living cost index in Tennessee–well “cost” is truly debatable here unless you really enjoy country music–and an hourly wage of $32.49 is not bad, but certainly not as high as other locations for audiologists. The living cost index is 89.4. This state has 230 audiologists who most likely have enjoyed several nights out in Nashville.

18. Florida

Hourly wage: $35.75

Cost of Living Index: 98.3

Employment: 570

Since Florida, next on our list of best states for audiologists has a lot of senior centers, it is expected that this state has a developed audiologist community. 570 audiologists work in this state. Older people often have more problems with hearing–oh the fun of aging–so they need specialized help from these experts. In Florida, an audiologist earns $35.75 per one hour. The living cost index is 98.3.

17. Delaware

Hourly wage: $36.96

Cost of Living Index: 101.4

Employment: **

Delaware is, after Minnesota, the second state on the list, which has living cost index above 100.  If we compare these indicators with Minnesota’s indicators, we will notice that audiologists in Delaware hourly earn almost one dollar more than audiologist in Minnesota. Hourly wage is $36.96. Unfortunately, we don’t have the data about employment in this state. Delaware audiologists give us a ring!

16. Iowa

Hourly wage: $33.75

Cost of Living Index: 91

Employment: 190

The 16th among the other best states for audiologists on our list for audiologists is Iowa. This state has better conditions for audiologist people than the previous state that we touched on–which is exciting for Iowa who most likely takes real pride in its audiology ranking. The hourly wage in Iowa is $33.75 and the living cost index is 91. The number of audiologists in this state is 190 which is very high if we consider that state is only the 30th most populous state in the US.

15. Illinois

Hourly wage: $35.49

Cost of Living Index: 94.6

Employment: 410

In Illinois, an audiologist earns $35.49. The cost of living index is 94.6 and the number of audiologists in this state is 410. You’d think all of that improv comedy in Chicago would’ve deafened more people–but maybe they are all doing sketches about libraries.

14. Mississippi

Hourly wage: $32.58

Cost of Living Index: 85.9

Employment: 100

On the number 14 on our list of best states for audiologists, is Mississippi. Less developed state, lower living cost index and lower hourly wage but still better than the other states. The hourly audiologist’s wage in this state is $32.58. Living cost index is 85.9. There are 100 audiologists, a nice round number of hearing specialists.

13. Virginia

Hourly wage: $38.67

Cost of Living Index: 100.8

Employment: 370

Meet Virginia, where employment is steadily increasing since 2011, and more people are getting jobs every day–from these numbers Virginia is basically a musical where people are handing out brooms to kids who are down on their luck. If we take a look at the living costs values in Virginia we could say that life is not expensive. The living cost index is 100.8 and the hourly audiologists wage is $38.67. There are 370 audiologists.

12. Washington

Hourly wage: $40.83

Cost of Living Index: 105.2

Employment: 420

We are in the middle of our list of best states for audiologists, and the number 12 is Washington. Washington is a well-known state with relatively good living cost conditions and very good salaries. As sales process have the best-buy component, on the other hand, we have Washington as the best category of the state which offers best conditions for most occupations. Washington is often in the middle of our occupation lists with best salaries and adequate living costs. The hourly audiologist wage is $40.83 and cost of living index is 105.2. There are 420 audiologists in Washington.

11. Michigan

Hourly wage: $34.81

Cost of Living Index: 89

Employment: 430

Although the Michigan economy is slowing down and the unemployment rate has risen last year, this state still offers a good condition for audiologists. It seems that is a good place for audiologist because in that state are 430 working audiologists, which is a high number considering the national level. The hourly wage is $34.81 and the living cost index is 89.

10. Indiana

Hourly wage: $35.28

Cost of Living Index: 89.5

Employment: 310

Indiana is great for audiologists because of two reasons. Firstly this state offers an hourly wage of $35.28 and the living cost index which is 89.5–that ratio is decent. The second thing is that, besides a speedway, there is a big community of audiologist in Indiana–310. The higher number of colleagues is always good for promoting that occupation in the certain country and achieving bigger rights through syndicate activities.

9. Wisconsin

Hourly wage: $38.21

Cost of Living Index: 96.8

Employment: 140

As we move to the top of the list of best states for audiologists we notice that are earnings by each state is increasing. For now, Wisconsin is in 9th and has 140 audiologists working to pay for all the cheese they are surely buying as good Wisconsin residents. Their hourly average wage is $38.21 and the living cost index is 96.8.

8. North Carolina

Hourly wage: $37.68

Cost of Living Index: 93.9

Employment: 430

C’mon and raise up, North Carolina is the 8th best state for the audiologists. The hourly wage is $37.68 and the living cost index is 93.9. Many audiologists (430 of them) have made the decision and settled in this state. But if you are trying to decide which state will the best then keep on moving down the list.

7. Texas

Hourly wage: $36.50

Cost of Living Index: 90.7

Employment: 870

So Texas is often the winner of these types of lists, when we are writing about best states for certain occupation. However here Texas is ranked as 7th best of the 25 best states for audiologists. Let’s see the reason of that.  Texas is a pretty inexpensive place to live, but the salary is not good enough to be the winner of the list. The hourly wage is $36.50 and the living cost index is 90.7. 870 audiologists are Lone Star staters.

6. Missouri

Hourly wage: $36.78

Cost of Living Index: 90.4

Employment: 290

We are slowly moving to the first place of the list of best states for audiologists. The number 6 is Missouri. Maybe the economy of this state shows the good results, but we have to see the situation about the working environment through our indicators. The audiologist’s hourly average wage is $36.78 and the living cost index is 90.4. 290 audiologists call Missouri home.

5. Colorado

Hourly wage: $42.79

Cost of Living Index: 103.8

Employment: 310

Audiologists in Colorado, next on the list of best states for audiologists are clearly very respected if you consider money respect because they are very well paid. The hourly wage is $42.79 and living costs are very acceptable for the 310 audiologists in this state.  This state should be a magnet for audiologists because of the good living conditions.

4. Georgia

Hourly wage: $38.14

Cost of Living Index: 91.4

Employment: 390

Life is good for an audiologist in Georgia! A slightly lower living cost index reflects the good economy and likely some satisfied workers at least when it comes to audiology. Hourly wage is $38.14. The living cost index is 91.4. In this state, there are 390 audiologists who think Georgia is a peach.

3. Oklahoma

Hourly wage: $41.45

Cost of Living Index: 89.2

Employment: **

Third place on this list of best states for audiologists is Oklahoma. The United States Department of Labor didn’t provide information about employment in this state. But, the indicators we have, show that it is an excellent state for audiologists. The hourly wage is $41.45 and cost of living index is 89.2. That means, that you as an audiologist in this state will be paid more than other parts of the US and your living costs like health care, transportation, housing and many other costs which are included in Meric’s index, will be lower
and more properly aligned with your salary.

2. North Dakota

Hourly wage: $47.02

Cost of Living Index: 99.4

Employment: 30

The second place on this list is North Dakota. According to the number of audiologists in this state which is 30, we could say that this state is not very popular among audiologists. However, it seems that is a very undiscovered job market. If you are an audiologist or you are going to be one when you graduate, we suggest that you seriously consider this state for a living and working. Because the wage in this state is $47.02 per hour and the living cost index is 99.4.

1. New Mexico

Hourly wage: $50.33

Cost of Living Index: 96.5

Employment: 130

Here is the best place for audiologist ladies and gentlemen! The first place of 25 best states for audiologists list is New Mexico! Audiologist’s hourly wage in this state is $50.33 and the living cost index is graded as 96.5. This state has only 130 audiologists. Considering these numbers, this is the best place for audiologist for building their careers, raising a family and having a nice life.