Audiology engineer

What does an audiology engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

An audiology engineer works with developing, customizing, and maintaining technical equipment within hearing care. The profession often involves collaboration with audiologists, doctors, and patients to ensure hearing aids function optimally. Common tasks include calibrating hearing aids, troubleshooting advanced hearing technology, and training healthcare staff in the use of these aids. The work environment is varied and includes clinical settings, laboratories, and sometimes fieldwork at clinics or patients' homes. An audiology engineer faces technical challenges daily and needs an understanding of both medical and technical aspects of hearing rehabilitation.

Salary development over time

The salary for audiology engineers has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,800 SEK per month, which increased to 38 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 39 200 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 6.5% over the three-year period. This positive salary trend can be linked to increased demand for technical expertise in hearing care and a generally higher awareness of the importance of functional hearing technology in society. Differences in salary development may also depend on education level and experience, with those having longer education or specialized skills tending to see faster salary growth. The market for audiology engineers is relatively small, which can lead to competition for skilled candidates and upward pressure on salaries over time. Technological advancements in the field also drive the need for continuous skills development, which can provide further salary increases for the most qualified.

Audiology engineer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 39 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (female, shorter than 3-year post-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 50,200 SEK/month (male, private sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage: 236 SEK
• Women earn: 37 200 SEK/month (91 % of men's salary)
• Men earn: 40 900 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Data on regional variations are unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as an audiology engineer, a university degree in medical technology, electrical engineering, or a related field with a focus on hearing technology is typically required. The education includes both theoretical and practical components, with knowledge of acoustics, electronics, and medical applications being central. Practical training within hearing care is often a requirement to gain a deeper understanding of the job tasks and patient contact.

• Formal degree: Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology or Electrical Engineering (3 years)
• Certifications: Specialized courses in hearing technology and calibration of medical equipment
• Practical training: Clinical practice or trainee position within hearing care is recommended
• Prerequisites: Scientific high school education with a focus on technology or mathematics
• Tips for choosing: Select programs strongly linked to medical technology and patient-related work

Common benefits and compensations

Audiology engineers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, professional development support, and flexible working hours. Pension schemes and insurance coverage are common, along with access to modern technical equipment and subsidized meals at the workplace. In the public sector, additional vacation days and favorable conditions for further education may also be included.

Competition and challenges

The profession as an audiology engineer is characterized by a relatively small job market, which can lead to competition for the most attractive positions, especially in metropolitan areas. Since audiology engineers belong to a broader group where technical competence is in demand, there are good opportunities to switch to related fields. A major challenge is to stay updated on rapid technological developments within hearing technology and medical devices. The lack of detailed labor market statistics makes precise forecasts difficult, but increased digitalization and the need for advanced hearing aids suggest ongoing demand for skills. For those wishing to develop within the profession, continuous further education and building a strong professional network are essential.

Tips for aspiring audiology engineers

To succeed as an audiology engineer, it’s beneficial to combine technical interest with a perceptive attitude towards patients’ needs. Analytical skills facilitate troubleshooting and optimizing hearing systems, while precision is crucial for calibration and maintenance of medical equipment. Flexibility and problem-solving abilities are necessary, as the workday often presents varied challenges. Being pedagogical makes it easier to collaborate with colleagues and patients, especially during staff training. The ability to stay updated on technical innovations is a major asset, and a genuine interest in medical technology and people creates favorable conditions for long-term job satisfaction. Networking within the industry can also open doors to new career opportunities.

Key facts about Audiology Engineer

• Education level: Bachelor of Science (3 years)
• Work environment: Clinics, laboratories, and patient-related settings
• Typical work arrangement: Full-time, daytime
• Demand: 564 available jobs within the profession
• Gender distribution: Women earn 91 % of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an audiology engineer, opportunities may open for more specialized roles, such as managing advanced hearing technology or leading projects in technical development within hearing care. Some choose to further their education in medical technology or shift to research and development at larger technology providers. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, it is difficult to give an exact forecast due to limited data, but technological progress and increased needs for hearing solutions indicate steady demand for skills. Opportunities for career growth within related fields like medical technology and rehabilitation technology are also promising. Regional differences may exist, but overall, audiology engineers have good future prospects, especially if they pursue further education and embrace new technological challenges.

Common questions about Audiology Engineer

• What does an audiology engineer earn?
  - An audiology engineer has an average salary of 39 200 SEK per month in Sweden.
• How has the salary development looked for audiology engineers?
  - Salaries have increased from 36,800 SEK in 2022 to 39 200 SEK in 2024, which is an increase of approximately 6.5%.
• What education is required to become an audiology engineer?
  - A university engineering degree in medical technology or electrical engineering is required, often with a focus on hearing technology.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 37 200 SEK while men earn 40 900 SEK, meaning women earn 91 % of men's salaries.
• What career opportunities are there for audiology engineers?
  - After some years of experience, one can advance to specialized technical roles, project management, or research within medical technology.
• What does the job market look like for audiology engineers?
  - There are 564 available jobs within the profession, but competition may vary depending on region and specialization.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for audiology engineers?
  - The highest salary is 50,200 SEK per month and the lowest is 35,500 SEK per month.