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the shift from bonus to base pay in audiology.
- Nori Knight
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
Why stability is becoming the real deal‑breaker.
For years, “unlimited earning potential” has been the go‑to pitch for audiologists and hearing aid dispenser (HAD) roles. Big bonuses, juicy commissions, the dream of “what you could be making.”
But for more and more people, that’s starting to lose its shine.
When you’re doing all the right things, hitting the right notes with patients, and still seeing your bonus move further out of reach, the excitement fades. And when bills are rising, certainty starts to matter more than “maybe.”
We’ve been speaking to people across the profession – and there’s a recurring theme: the base salary matters more than ever.
it's not about wanting more. it's about wanting steady.
This isn’t about audiologists and HADs losing motivation or stepping back from ambition. Far from it.
Audiologists and HADs are telling us they want a fair, consistent foundation that reflects their skill and care – without the constant anxiety of changing targets and thresholds or disappearing commission.
Here’s what people have shared with us recently:
“Targets have gone up, bonuses have gone down.”
“No discussion of pay progression at any point in 3 years.”
“Thresholds just get raised when we’re costing too much. The company still makes money, but we’re left with less.”
It’s not about rejecting performance incentives altogether. It’s about ensuring your income doesn’t feel like it’s built on shifting sand.
the numbers tell the same story.
Our recent audiology survey makes it pretty clear:
Base salary comes first. 92% said it’s important to very important when weighing up a new role.
Stability wins. Over two-thirds would take a bigger guaranteed salary, even if bonuses were smaller.
Earning potential still matters – but not as much as base pay (4.6 out of 5).
Culture counts. Almost everyone (96%) rated company culture as important to very important (4.7 out of 5).
And for most people (88%), this isn’t a recent shift; it’s how they’ve felt for a while.
This isn’t a passing trend. It’s a long‑held mindset. Stability, fairness, and a supportive environment matter just as much as total earning potential (and often more).
what people are actually earning.
Of the audiologists and HADs who shared their current base salary with us:
The most common base sits between £35k-£50k
The average is just under £43k
Over a quarter earn £45-50k, and over a fifth earn more than that.
On paper, those numbers might look competitive – but the story changes when you factor in how pay is structured.
Plenty of people told us bonuses feel unpredictable. Some said they’ve disappeared altogether. Add when performance thresholds keep creeping up, it’s hard to trust commission-based earnings as a steady foundation.
Bonuses can still be motivating, but right now? A reliable base feels like the safer, smarter choice.
why this matters if you’re thinking about moving
If you're an audiologist or HAD who’s been feeling that gap between effort and reward, you’re not alone – and you’re not stuck.
You’re not asking for too much when you want:
A stable base salary you can count on every month.
Recognition for your skill beyond just sales numbers.
A culture that values you and the quality of care you give.
And yes – those roles are out there. We see them every day.
We can also help you benchmark your pay against the market, not just in general, but for roles that match your skills, priorities, and preferred locations.
Because if you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to look, this might be the nudge you need.
