Ultrasound Technician Salary and Career Info
Learn about the job opportunities in the growing ultrasound technician field.
The Basics
What you'll do: You'll work directly with patients to conduct ultrasound scans of the internal organs, tissues and blood flow. You'll operate and maintain the ultrasound equipment, manipulating the transducer over the body to get the best quality images, and assess each image taken, selecting the best set for a physician to review.
Where you'll work: Most ultrasound technicians work in hospitals conducting tests, but some technicians are finding opportunities at private physicians' offices, clinics, and at stand-alone diagnostic medical imaging laboratories.
Degree you'll need: Associate's degree
Median annual salary: $64,380*
Cities with highest employment level: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Nassau, Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Baltimore, Boston
A Bit More About the Job
The job of ultrasound technician can be particularly attractive to those who wish to enter the medical field but don't have the time or financial resources for several years of schooling.
Ultrasound technicians must be physically fit to help lift or move patients into position for testing. They must also enjoy working with people, since the majority of their work involves intimate contact with patients during testing procedures.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data published March 27, 2012; Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
*The salary information listed is based on a national average, unless noted. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.