Audiologist, technical

What does an audiologist with a technical focus do – tasks and work environment

An audiologist with a technical focus primarily works with examining, diagnosing, and treating hearing problems using advanced medical technical equipment. Tasks include installation, maintenance, and calibration of hearing aids, ensuring equipment functions optimally for patient needs. In addition to patient interaction, significant collaboration occurs with doctors, engineers, and other healthcare specialists. The work environment is often clinic-based but can also include work at hospital wards, hearing clinics, and sometimes research environments where the focus is on developing new assistive devices.

Salary development over time

The salary for an audiologist with a technical focus has varied over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,500 SEK per month, but decreased to 32 700 SEK in 2023 before rising again to 34 000 SEK in 2024. This change corresponds to a total decrease of approximately 4.2% between 2022 and 2023, followed by a recovery of 4% the following year. Fluctuations can partly be explained by changing demand for specialized skills, variations in the number of recent graduates, and regional differences in salary setting. In the long term, the profession has shown stable salary development, with some sensitivity to technological changes and labor market needs.

Audiologist with a technical focus salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 59,300 SEK/month (male, private sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage: 204 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men earn 34 600 SEK, women 33 300 SEK – women earn 96% of men's salaries
• Regional differences: Data on regional variation is limited, but salaries may vary depending on location and employer.

Education and qualifications

To work as an audiologist with a technical focus, a university degree in audiology or medical engineering is usually required, often supplemented with specialized courses in hearing technology. Practical experience from healthcare or medtech companies is advantageous, and some employers prefer candidates with certifications or training in specific technical systems. Entry requirements can vary but typically include basic knowledge in technology, mathematics, and science.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in audiology or medical engineering (3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in medical technical equipment and hearing technology
• Practical training: Clinical internships or trainee programs recommended
• Prerequisites: Basic university eligibility with a science background
• Advice for choosing: Select programs with a strong technical profile and opportunities for internships

Common benefits and compensations

Audiologists with a technical focus are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development. Other common compensations include access to advanced equipment, employer-funded further training, and participation in research or development projects. Pension schemes and insurances are standard in both public and private sectors.

Competition and challenges

Demand for audiologists with a technical focus is influenced by rapid technological development within medical diagnostics and treatment methods. Since the profession is relatively small, competition for certain positions may be moderate, but specialized skills in new technical aids or software can provide competitive advantages. A challenge is to stay updated with the latest technology and adapt quickly to changing work methods. Technical faults or deficiencies in equipment may require quick and accurate responses, demanding strong problem-solving skills and resilience under stress.

Tips for those who want to become an audiologist with a technical focus

To succeed as an audiologist with a technical focus, it is good to combine an interest in technology with a desire to help others. Precision is crucial, especially when calibrating and troubleshooting medical technical equipment. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with patients and colleagues from various professions. Curiosity and a drive to continuously learn new things make it easier to stay updated within the rapidly changing technology. Analytical ability is also important for interpreting measurement data and proposing solutions to technical problems. Flexibility and patience are helpful when meeting patients and working in different healthcare environments.

Key facts about Audiologist, technical

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in audiology or medical engineering
• Work environment: Clinic, hospital, and research settings
• Typical employment: Full-time, daytime
• Demand: 564 job openings within the profession
• Special skills: Medical technical equipment and hearing technology

Career paths and future prospects

An audiologist with a technical focus can, after three to five years, advance to specialist roles within medical technology, such as leading larger development projects or mentoring new colleagues. There are also opportunities for work in product development, sales of medical technical products, or further education toward research roles. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that there are 564 job openings within the broader occupational group, but no specific assessment of future prospects for this niche due to limited data. However, technological development and digitization within healthcare are expected to create new tasks and increased demand for specialized audiologists with technical skills.

Frequently asked questions about Audiologist, technical

• What does an audiologist with a technical focus earn?
  - The average salary is 34 000 SEK/month, with variation between 30,000 SEK and 59,300 SEK depending on education, experience, and sector.
• What education is required to become an audiologist with a technical focus?
  - A bachelor's degree in audiology or medical engineering is most common, often complemented by specialized courses and practical training.
• Are there gender differences in salary within the profession?
  - Yes, women earn on average 96% of men's salaries; men have 34 600 SEK and women 33 300 SEK.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - There are 564 job openings within related occupational groups, but no exact forecast for this specialization.
• What tasks does an audiologist with a technical focus perform?
  - Installation, calibration, and maintenance of hearing devices, patient work, and collaboration with healthcare staff.
• What is the hourly wage for an audiologist with a technical focus?
  - The average hourly wage is 204 SEK based on 166 working hours per month.
• What development opportunities exist?
  - Specialist roles, product development, research, and further education within medical technology are possible career paths.