Go Beyond Salary: Choosing the Right Job

You chose audiology to serve others — but your professional fulfillment matters too.

Whether you’re an emerging professional or considering your next career move, choosing the right job is more than just a matter of pay. Your job should support your expertise and your well-being.

If you find yourself in the enviable position of deciding between two “dream jobs,” here are three essential, non-monetary factors to consider.

Values

Do they practice what they preach? Salary will show up in your bank account, but shared values show up in how you feel at the end of the day.

Pay attention to whether their stated values align with yours — and whether they behave accordingly. Did the interview process feel respectful and thoughtful? Were the interactions consistent across staff and leadership?

Search online for evidence of authenticity:

• Patient reviews on Google or Healthgrades
• Articles, presentations, or videos of or by the practice
• Community outreach

Businesses that value ethics, collaboration, and professional growth will usually demonstrate it in visible ways. If their values are mentioned on the website but not reflected in their culture and operations, be wary.

Culture

Culture in a practice goes far beyond team lunches and dress codes to how you’re supported, challenged, and heard.

Ask questions about:

• Leadership and communication style
• Onboarding and training
• Meeting cadence and decision-making processes
• Opportunities for mentorship or specialization
• Philosophy around work-life balance and schedule flexibility

How did staff greet you during your interview visit? How openly did the team speak about challenges or growth areas? A healthy practice culture should feel both collaborative and candid — not performative.

Location

Where you work shapes how you live. Audiology jobs are available in nearly every region of the U.S., and location affects far more than commute time.

Consider lifestyle variables:

• Can you build community and cultivate connection?
• Does the cost of living align with your goals?
• Will your commute be a source of stress — or a peaceful transition?

Consider the setting:

• Urban settings provide easier access to medical care, the arts, stadiums, and networking, but also have higher living costs and a more demanding pace.
• Rural and suburban settings usually offer more affordable housing, a slower pace, and a chance to be a true community resource.

Be honest with yourself about what you need outside work — living somewhere that supports your whole life will support your work life, too.

Trust the Process — and Your Priorities 

The right job is one where you can do excellent work and still feel like yourself at the end of the day. Compensation matters, but values, culture, and environment determine whether you stay, thrive, or eventually burn out.

Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions. Request another conversation with the hiring manager. Speak with a team member who shares your clinical interests. The more clarity you seek now, the more confident you’ll be later.

Your hard-earned degree is a tool — and your job should be a place that lets you use it well.