How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make? A Comprehensive Guide

Overview of Average Ultrasound Technician Salaries

Ultrasound technicians, sometimes referred to as diagnostic medical sonographers, are healthcare professionals who use high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs, tissues, and blood vessels inside the body. The images created by ultrasound techs are used to diagnose and treat medical conditions, making them a vital part of the healthcare team. So what does a career in ultrasound technology pay? Read on to learn more about the average salary of an ultrasound technician.

National Average Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for ultrasound technicians was $72,510 in May 2019. This means that half of all ultrasound technicians earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,880.

Average Salary by Specialty

The type of specialty an ultrasound tech works in can also affect their salary. For example, according to PayScale, the national median salary for obstetric sonographers is $70,000, while the national median salary for vascular sonographers is $79,000. Cardiac sonographers typically earn the highest salaries, with a national median salary of $84,000, while abdominal sonographers typically earn the lowest salaries, with a national median salary of $62,000.

Factors That Influence an Ultrasound Tech’s Salary

A variety of factors can influence an ultrasound technician’s salary, including experience level, location, and type of employer. Let’s take a look at each factor in more detail.

Experience Level

As with most professions, experience plays a key role in determining an ultrasound technician’s salary. According to PayScale, ultrasound technicians with 1 to 4 years of experience typically earn a median salary of $60,000, while those with 5 to 9 years of experience typically earn a median salary of $68,500. Those with 10 to 19 years of experience typically earn a median salary of $78,000, while those with 20 or more years of experience typically earn a median salary of $86,000.

Location

Location is another important factor when it comes to determining an ultrasound technician’s salary. According to BLS data, the five states with the highest concentration of ultrasound technician jobs are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. Of these five states, California has the highest average salary for ultrasound technicians, with an annual mean wage of $87,930. New York has the second highest average salary, with an annual mean wage of $77,870, followed by Texas ($74,860), Florida ($73,440), and Pennsylvania ($70,980).

Type of Employer

The type of employer an ultrasound technician works for can also have an impact on their salary. According to PayScale, the highest paying employers for ultrasound technicians are hospitals, with a median salary of $75,000. Outpatient care centers are the second highest paying employers, with a median salary of $71,000, followed by physicians’ offices ($63,000) and diagnostic imaging centers ($62,000).

Ultrasound Technician Salaries by State

In addition to the five states listed above with the highest concentration of ultrasound technician jobs, there are several other states that offer attractive salaries for ultrasound techs. Here is a list of the top 10 highest and lowest paying states for ultrasound technicians:

Highest Paying States

• California – $87,930
• New York – $77,870
• Washington – $76,530
• Hawaii – $76,280
• Alaska – $74,910
• Texas – $74,860
• Maryland – $73,830
• Florida – $73,440
• Massachusetts – $72,600
• Oregon – $71,720

Lowest Paying States

• Mississippi – $58,640
• West Virginia – $59,230
• Montana – $59,320
• Louisiana – $60,120
• Idaho – $60,580
• Arkansas – $61,190
• South Dakota – $62,050
• Iowa – $62,250
• North Dakota – $63,130
• Kansas – $63,310

Education and Certification Requirements for Ultrasound Technicians

In order to become an ultrasound technician, you must complete a degree program and obtain certification. Let’s take a look at both requirements in more detail.

Degree Programs

Most employers require ultrasound technicians to hold at least an associate’s degree in ultrasound technology. These programs typically take two years to complete and include courses in anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, and patient care. Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years to complete and includes more advanced courses in physics, pathology, and research.

Certifications

Most employers also require ultrasound technicians to be certified. To become certified, ultrasound techs must pass an exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). There are several different certifications available, including Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) and Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT).

Career Prospects for Ultrasound Technicians

The job outlook for ultrasound technicians is positive, with the BLS predicting that employment of ultrasound technicians will grow by 7 percent from 2018 to 2028. This growth is faster than the average for all occupations, due in part to an aging population and advances in medical technology.

In addition to job growth, ultrasound technicians can expect to find ample job opportunities. According to the BLS, there were more than 64,000 ultrasound technicians employed in the U.S. in 2018, and this number is projected to increase to nearly 73,000 by 2028.

Strategies to Increase Your Pay as an Ultrasound Technician

If you’re looking to increase your pay as an ultrasound technician, there are several strategies you can use. These include pursuing higher education, gaining additional certifications, negotiating for higher pay, considering relocation, exploring different specialties, participating in professional organizations, and taking advantage of continuing education opportunities.

Pursue Higher Education

“Higher education is an important way to increase your salary as an ultrasound technician,” says Leslie Williams, a certified ultrasound technician in California. “Many employers prefer to hire ultrasound technicians with a bachelor’s degree, so if you don’t already have one, consider pursuing one.”

Gain Additional Certifications

“Having multiple certifications can help you stand out from other candidates and make you more attractive to employers,” says Williams. “It’s worth taking the time to get additional certifications, as they can lead to higher pay.”

Negotiate for Higher Pay

“Don’t be afraid to negotiate for higher pay,” says Williams. “Employers often have room to maneuver when it comes to salary, so if you can demonstrate the value you bring to the organization, you may be able to get a higher salary.”

Consider Relocation

Relocating to a state with higher salaries for ultrasound technicians can be an effective way to increase your pay. “If you’re willing to move to a state with higher salaries for ultrasound techs, such as California or New York, you can significantly increase your salary,” says Williams.

Explore Different Specialties

Exploring different specialties within the field of ultrasound technology can also help you increase your pay. “Cardiac sonographers typically earn the highest salaries, so if you’re interested in earning more, consider specializing in this area,” says Williams.

Participate in Professional Organizations

Joining professional organizations such as the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) is another good way to increase your salary. “Professional organizations can provide access to networking opportunities, continuing education, and job postings,” says Williams. “All of these can help you increase your pay over time.”

Take Advantage of Continuing Education Opportunities

Continuing education is essential for ultrasound technicians, as new technologies and techniques are constantly being developed. “Taking advantage of continuing education opportunities can help you stay up to date on the latest developments in the field, which in turn can lead to higher pay,” says Williams.

Conclusion

Ultrasound technicians play an important role in the healthcare system, providing valuable images used to diagnose and treat medical conditions. The average salary of an ultrasound technician varies depending on experience level, location, and type of employer. Additionally, ultrasound techs can increase their salary by pursuing higher education, gaining additional certifications, negotiating for higher pay, considering relocation, exploring different specialties, participating in professional organizations, and taking advantage of continuing education opportunities.