Acoustical engineer

About this occupation

Acoustical engineers study and apply the science of sound to various applications. They work in a wide range of areas including the consultation of the acoustics and elements affecting the transmission of sound in spaces for performances or recording activities. They can also consult on the levels of noise contamination for those activities that require compliance with standards on that matter.

• Maintain patient records at all stages, including initial and subsequent evaluation and treatment activities.
• Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine diagnoses and courses of treatment.
• Fit, dispense, and repair assistive devices, such as hearing aids.
• Administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.
• Monitor patients' progress and provide ongoing observation of hearing or balance status.
• Instruct patients, parents, teachers, or employers in communication strategies to maximize effective receptive communication.

Typical education (US)

Doctoral Degree

Preparation

Job Zone 5 of 5

Interests

Investigative, Social, Realistic

Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Learning

US median pay: US$95,780 a year (2025), 13,660 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (4.3)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.1)
• BiologyO*NET: BiologyVery important (4.0)
• Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
• Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.3)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.0)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Doctoral Degree

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.