How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make?

An ultrasound technician, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, plays a crucial role in healthcare by using specialized equipment to create images of the body’s internal organs, tissues, and vessels. These images help physicians diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. If you’re considering a career as an ultrasound tech, understanding the potential salary is important. Below, we explore how much ultrasound techs make, factors that affect their salaries, and the job outlook.

Average Salary of Ultrasound Techs in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $77,740 as of May 2022. This means that half of all sonographers earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on various factors.

• Entry-Level Salary: Ultrasound techs just starting out may earn between $50,000 and $60,000 annually.
• Experienced Techs: Those with more experience can earn $80,000 or more per year.
• Hourly Rate: On average, ultrasound techs earn about $30 to $40 per hour.

Factors That Influence Ultrasound Tech Salaries

Several factors contribute to the varying salaries of ultrasound techs, including location, experience, and specialization.

1. Geographic Location Salaries for ultrasound techs can vary widely depending on the cost of living and demand for healthcare services in a specific area. States like California, Washington, and Hawaii tend to offer higher salaries due to their high demand for skilled sonographers.
   • California: The average salary for ultrasound techs is around $106,000 annually, one of the highest in the country.
   • New York: Ultrasound techs earn an average of $82,000 per year.
   • Texas: The average salary for sonographers is approximately $72,000 annually.
2. Experience Level As with many professions, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. Entry-level ultrasound techs generally earn less, but with additional experience and certifications, their salary can increase over time.
   • 0-2 Years: Around $50,000 to $60,000 annually.
   • 3-5 Years: Experienced ultrasound techs typically earn between $65,000 and $80,000 per year.
   • 10+ Years: With a decade or more of experience, many techs earn upwards of $90,000 annually.
3. Specialization Ultrasound techs can specialize in different areas, which can impact their earnings. Those who specialize in fields such as cardiac sonography or vascular sonography often command higher salaries due to the advanced skills required.
   • Cardiac Sonographers: Make an average salary of $85,000 per year.
   • Vascular Sonographers: Can earn up to $90,000 annually.
4. Workplace Setting The setting where an ultrasound tech works can also affect their salary. Hospitals typically offer higher pay than outpatient care centers or physicians’ offices.
   • Hospitals: Ultrasound techs working in hospitals often earn $75,000 to $85,000 per year.
   • Outpatient Care Centers: Offer salaries around $70,000 to $80,000.
   • Physician Offices: Techs in physician offices tend to earn around $65,000 to $75,000 annually.

Job Outlook for Ultrasound Techs

The demand for ultrasound techs is projected to grow in the coming years. The BLS estimates that employment for diagnostic medical sonographers will grow by 10% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This demand is driven by the aging population and the increasing use of ultrasound technology for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

How to Become an Ultrasound Tech

To become an ultrasound technician, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

1. Education: Most ultrasound techs complete an accredited associate degree program in diagnostic medical sonography, which takes about two years. Some may opt for a bachelor’s degree for additional opportunities.
2. Certification: After completing your education, you’ll need to pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exam. Some states may also require licensure.
3. Specialization: Depending on your career goals, you can choose to specialize in fields like obstetric sonography, cardiac sonography, or vascular sonography.

Conclusion

Ultrasound technicians earn competitive salaries, with the average salary in the U.S. ranging from $60,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, and specialization. The demand for ultrasound techs is expected to grow, making this a promising career choice for those interested in healthcare.

For more details about certification, visit the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).