How to become an audiologist or speech-language pathologist
Official title: Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
Also called: Audiologist, Speech therapist, Speech pathologist, Clinical audiologist, Research audiologist, Certified audiologist, Community audiologist, Pediatric audiologist, Diagnostic audiologist, Dispensing audiologist, Industrial audiologist, Educational audiologist
Audiologists diagnose, evaluate and treat individuals with peripheral and central hearing loss, tinnitus and balance problems. Speech-language pathologists diagnose, assess and treat human communication disorders including speech, fluency, language, voice and swallowing disorders. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are employed in hospitals, community and public health centres, extended care facilities, day clinics, rehabilitation centres and educational institutions, or may work in private practice. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Audiologists
- Develop and administer audiometric tests and examinations using specialized instruments and electronic equipment to diagnose and evaluate the degree and type of patients' hearing impairment
- Plan and implement habilitation/rehabilitation programs for patients, including selection, fitting and adjustment of amplification devices, such as hearing aids, balance retraining exercises, and teaching speech (lip) reading
- Educate and counsel patients and families regarding the nature, extent, impact and implications of hearing loss and treatment
- Establish personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
- Conduct research related to hearing and hearing disorders
- May instruct and supervise audiometric technicians, students and other health care personnel
- Speech-language pathologists
How to become one
Audiologists require a master's degree in audiology. Speech-language pathologists require a master's degree in speech-language pathology. Registration with a regulatory body is required for audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Membership in the national association, Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, is usually required. In some jurisdictions, audiologists may be required to obtain a separate licence to dispense hearing aids.
Ways in
- University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
- University: Allied Health degrees, Offered by 9 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Registration with a regulatory body is required for audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. In some jurisdictions, audiologists may be required to obtain a separate licence to dispense hearing aids.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $89,993 a year The middle half earn $76,050 to $103,116.
- About 18,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 22,700 are projected by 2033. (+24%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an audiologist or speech-language pathologist?
Audiologists require a master's degree in audiology. Speech-language pathologists require a master's degree in speech-language pathology. Registration with a regulatory body is required for audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Membership in the national association, Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, is usually required. In some jurisdictions, audiologists may be required to obtain a separate licence to dispense hearing aids.
How much does an audiologist or speech-language pathologist earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $89,993 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $76,050 to $103,116.
Is an audiologist or speech-language pathologist a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 24% by 2033, from about 18,300 to about 22,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an audiologist or speech-language pathologist?
Usually. 97% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03