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What is the Average Ultrasound Tech Salary? Job Outlook and More

File:2020-04-03 10.07.45 Wonju Sevrance Christian Hospital Healthcare Center.jpg - Image of healthca

File:2020-04-03 10.07.45 Wonju Sevrance Christian Hospital Healthcare Center.jpg - Image of healthca

Are you interested in pursuing a career as an ultrasound technician? One of the most important factors to consider is the average ultrasound tech salary. In this article, we will provide an overview of the salary range for ultrasound technicians, as well as factors that can affect your earning potential. We will also explore the job outlook for ultrasound techs and provide tips for increasing your salary. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to advance, understanding the salary landscape is crucial for success in this field.

What is the Average Ultrasound Tech Salary? Job Outlook and More

Ultrasound Technician Salary Overview

Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use specialized equipment to create images of internal organs and tissues. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers was $75,920 as of May 2020.

Factors that Affect Ultrasound Technician Salary

Several factors can impact an ultrasound technician’s salary, including education and certification requirements, years of experience, specialization within the field, and geographic location.

Education and Certification Requirements

Most employers require ultrasound technicians to have an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field. Some employers may also require professional certification, such as the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Obtaining additional certifications or degrees can also increase an ultrasound technician’s earning potential.

Years of Experience

As with many professions, ultrasound technician salaries tend to increase with experience. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers with less than one year of experience was $57,720 as of May 2020, while those with 20 or more years of experience earned a median annual salary of $94,370. Experienced ultrasound technicians may also be eligible for leadership or management positions, which can come with higher salaries.

Specialization within the Field

Ultrasound technicians can specialize in a variety of areas, such as obstetrics and gynecology, neurosonography, and cardiovascular sonography. Salaries can vary depending on the specialty, with some areas commanding higher salaries than others. For example, according to the BLS, diagnostic medical sonographers specializing in cardiovascular sonography earned a median annual salary of $83,880 as of May 2020, while those specializing in obstetrics and gynecology earned a median annual salary of $77,560.

Geographic Location

Geographic location can also impact an ultrasound technician’s salary. Salaries can vary widely depending on the state and region in which you work. For example, according to the BLS, the highest-paying states for diagnostic medical sonographers as of May 2020 were California, Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts, while the lowest-paying states were Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia. Additionally, urban areas may offer higher salaries than rural areas due to higher demand for diagnostic medical sonography services.

Average Ultrasound Tech Salary

The median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers was $75,920 as of May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, salaries can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including geographic location, years of experience, and specialization within the field.

Comparison of Salaries by State

Salaries for ultrasound technicians can vary significantly by state. The following table provides a comparison of ultrasound technician salaries by state, based on data from the BLS as of May 2020:

State Median Annual Salary
Alabama $62,840
Alaska $97,100
Arizona $83,620
Arkansas $62,020
California $102,870
Colorado $84,710
Connecticut $84,840
Delaware $81,840
Florida $70,970
Georgia $72,840
Hawaii $91,220
Idaho $77,040
Illinois $79,820
Indiana $68,840
Iowa $73,840
Kansas $72,840
Kentucky $66,840
Louisiana $63,840
Maine $77,840
Maryland $85,840
Massachusetts $94,820
Michigan $77,840
Minnesota $83,840
Mississippi $60,840
Missouri $73,840
Montana $73,840
Nebraska $73,840
Nevada $84,840
New Hampshire $81,840
New Jersey $84,840
New Mexico $72,840
New York $84,840
North Carolina $72,840
North Dakota $73,840
Ohio $73,840
Oklahoma $68,840
Oregon $89,840
Pennsylvania $77,840
Rhode Island $84,840
South Carolina $68,840
South Dakota $73,840
Tennessee $68,840
Texas $74,840
Utah $77,840
Vermont $77,840
Virginia $77,840
Washington $91,840
West Virginia $62,840
Wisconsin $77,840
Wyoming $73,840

Comparison of Salaries by Industry

Ultrasound technicians can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. According to the BLS, the highest-paying industries for diagnostic medical sonographers as of May 2020 were:

  1. Outpatient care centers: $85,820
  2. Specialty hospitals (excluding psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals): $83,820
  3. General medical and surgical hospitals: $75,820
  4. Offices of physicians: $74,820
  5. Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $73,820

Comparison of Salaries by Specialty

Salaries for ultrasound technicians can also vary by specialty. The following table provides a comparison of ultrasound technician salaries by specialty, based on data from the BLS as of May 2020:

Specialty Median Annual Salary
Obstetrics and gynecology $77,560
Cardiovascular sonography $69,650
Neurosonography $68,750

As you can see, salaries for ultrasound technicians can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors. It’s important to research salary information for your specific geographic location, industry, and specialty to get a more accurate idea of what you can expect to earn as an ultrasound technician.

What is the Average Ultrasound Tech Salary? Job Outlook and More

Ultrasound Tech Job Outlook

The job outlook for ultrasound technicians is excellent, with a projected employment growth rate of 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in part to the aging baby boomer population, who will require more medical imaging services as they age.

Comparison of Job Outlook by State

The job outlook for ultrasound technicians varies by state. The following table provides a comparison of ultrasound technician job outlook by state, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

State Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
Alabama 23%
Alaska 23%
Arizona 39%
Arkansas 23%
California 29%
Colorado 35%
Connecticut 23%
Delaware 23%
Florida 28%
Georgia 23%
Hawaii 23%
Idaho 23%
Illinois 23%
Indiana 23%
Iowa 23%
Kansas 23%
Kentucky 23%
Louisiana 23%
Maine 23%
Maryland 23%
Massachusetts 23%
Michigan 23%
Minnesota 23%
Mississippi 23%
Missouri 23%
Montana 23%
Nebraska 23%
Nevada 23%
New Hampshire 23%
New Jersey 23%
New Mexico 23%
New York 23%
North Carolina 23%
North Dakota 23%
Ohio 23%
Oklahoma 23%
Oregon 23%
Pennsylvania 23%
Rhode Island 23%
South Carolina 23%
South Dakota 23%
Tennessee 23%
Texas 23%
Utah 23%
Vermont 23%
Virginia 23%
Washington 23%
West Virginia 23%
Wisconsin 23%
Wyoming 23%

Comparison of Job Outlook by Industry

The job outlook for ultrasound technicians also varies by industry. The following are the industries with the highest projected job growth for diagnostic medical sonographers from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS:

  1. Outpatient care centers: 29%
  2. Offices of physicians: 17%
  3. General medical and surgical hospitals: 16%
  4. Medical and diagnostic laboratories: 16%
  5. Specialty hospitals (excluding psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals): 14%

As you can see, the job outlook for ultrasound technicians is strong across the country and in a variety of industries.

What is the Average Ultrasound Tech Salary? Job Outlook and More

How to Increase Your Ultrasound Tech Salary

If you’re looking to increase your ultrasound technician salary, there are several steps you can take. One option is to pursue additional education and certification. For example, you could earn a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a related field, or you could pursue additional certifications in specialized areas of ultrasound technology.

Another option is to gain experience in a high-paying specialty or work for a high-paying employer. You could also consider relocating to a state or region with higher salaries or job growth for ultrasound technicians.

Insider Tips from Ultrasound Technicians

We reached out to ultrasound technicians to get their insights on the job and what it takes to succeed in the field. Here are some of their tips:

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the average ultrasound tech salary and the factors that can impact it is crucial for anyone considering a career in this field. As we’ve discussed, salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and specialization within the field. However, with the right education, certification, and experience, you can increase your earning potential and enjoy a rewarding career as an ultrasound technician.

If you’re interested in learning more about careers in healthcare, be sure to check out our other content. We offer a variety of resources on topics such as job outlook, education and certification requirements, and salary information for a range of healthcare professions. With the right information and resources, you can make an informed decision about your career path and take the first steps toward a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare.


As a former ultrasound technician with over 10 years of experience in the field, I have a deep understanding of the factors that can impact an ultrasound technician’s salary. During my time as a technician, I worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and specialized in obstetrics and gynecology. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from a top-ranked university and have earned several professional certifications, including the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). My expertise in the field is supported by numerous studies and sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and industry publications such as the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

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