How the national numbers differ
1Typical preparation differs.
Athletic Trainers: Master's degree Hearing Aid Specialists: High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing Preparation categories do not establish admission difficulty, calendar time, tuition, time without earnings, or licensing difficulty.
Athletic Trainers has the edge on annual openings
Athletic Trainers is at 2,400 annual openings, compared with 900 annual openings for Hearing Aid Specialists.
Hearing Aid Specialists has the edge on median pay
Hearing Aid Specialists is at $65,160, compared with $62,520 for Athletic Trainers.
Hearing Aid Specialists has the edge on projected growth
Hearing Aid Specialists is at 19.4% projected growth, compared with 12.7% projected growth for Athletic Trainers.
51.8/ 100Athletic Trainers
vs
54.1/ 100Hearing Aid Specialists
Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Athletic Trainers vs Hearing Aid Specialists
| Dimension | Athletic Trainers | Hearing Aid Specialists |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $62,520 | $65,160 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 52.4 percentile | 57.1 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 12.7% | 19.4% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 2,400 | 900 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 35,200 | 11,200 |
|---|
| How you qualify | Master's degree | High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 5 | Job Zone 3 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training. | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
