Application Fee
$75Verified by CA Board of Healthcare
Hearing Aid Specialist Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for hearing aid specialist in California, including $75 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
Renewal al Period: AnnuallyLicensing Blueprint for Hearing Aid Specialist in California
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
Individuals who fit and sell hearing aids must obtain a hearing aid dispenser license from the Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau in order to practice in California.
- 4
Fees: Application: $75.
- 5
Permanent License/Renewal: $280.
- 6
Written exam: $225.
- 7
Practical exam: $500.
- 8
Branch office license: $25.
Exam and processing details
- $225 Practical $500 Branch office license: $25 Temporary license: $175 Trainee license: $175 Frequency: The written exam is offered electronically on a continuous basis.
- Locations: Written exams are administered in approximately 20 locations throughout California and several other states.
- The practical exam is administered 2-4 times a year.
- Practical exams are administered in Sacramento.
- Note: Written exam must be passed before taking the practical exam.
- Experience
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $75 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
- Current Filing Fee
$75
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al Period: Annually
- Salary Position
$78,830 median (28% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#4 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent).
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: $225 Practical $500 Branch office license: $25 Temporary license: $175 Trainee license: $175 Frequency: The written exam is offered electronically on a continuous basis. Locatio....
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: $75.).
- 5. Budget filing costs (Application: $75).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al Period: Annually).
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $78,830, Hearing Aid Specialists in California earn 28% above the national median of $61,560. California ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$78,830Hourly estimate
$37.9028% above national median
Difference: +$17,270
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationHearing Aid Specialist Salary Ranking
#4 of 50 statesfor Hearing Aid Specialist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $91,000 |
| #2 | New York | $80,710 |
| #3 | New Mexico | $79,930 |
| #4 | California | $78,830 |
| #5 | Nevada | $78,310 |
Nearby States Comparison
Hearing Aid Specialist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $78,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18 years |
| Oregon | $61,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $78,310 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $71,470 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Consumer Affairs • Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
1601 Response Road, Suite 260, Sacramento, CA, 95815
Phone: N/A
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $77,640 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
| Athletic Trainer | $74,150 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $123,600 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Hearing Aid Specialist in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Hearing Aid Specialist salary in California?
The median annual salary for Hearing Aid Specialists in California is $78,830. Salaries range from $53,390 (10th percentile) to $97,610 (90th percentile).
How does the Hearing Aid Specialist salary in California compare to the national average?
Hearing Aid Specialists in California earn 28% above the national median of $61,560, with a state median of $78,830.
How many Hearing Aid Specialists work in California?
California employs approximately 610 Hearing Aid Specialists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Hearing Aid Specialist license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Hearing Aid Specialists in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board. Review agency details at https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Hearing Aid Specialist license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al Period: Annually.