Medical Sonographer Salary Guide

Sonographers use ultrasound technology to help detect disease in the body, guide surgeons, and monitor pregnancies. This in-demand role pays a median annual salary of $77,740, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Overview

Sonographers can earn a solid income, especially when compared to other healthcare careers that are possible with an associate degree. As with all jobs, though, income varies across a spectrum. The top 10% of sonographers earn $101,650, in contrast to the bottom 10%, who earn $59,640, according to the BLS’s 2021 data.

As a general rule, sonographers in big cities earn the most and those in rural areas earn the least. In urban centers, hospitals and health systems serve large populations of patients and may be willing to pay more to employ enough sonographers.

All but one of the 10 top-paying metropolitan areas are in California, according to the BLS.

More Factors that Affect Salary

Geography is not the only factor that can play a role in a sonographer’s salary. In fact, some factors may be within your control, so you can work to bump up your earning potential.

Education

Education can influence sonographer salaries in several ways:

Experience

The longer you work in the field, the more your earning potential increases.

“When sonographers first start in the field, they get paid less because they have less experience,” says Kate Scrivens, a sonographer in Central Oregon. “Unseasoned sonographers have a lot of on-the-job learning to do and pay reflects that.”

Certification and Credentials

After you complete a sonography program, you can go on to earn certifications, which demonstrate mastery in your field in general or in a specialty. You can earn certifications by passing a board exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

“The more boards you pass, the more job prospects you have,” Scrivens says. “Getting as many credentials and variety of experience as you can help with earning potential.”

Workplace

Your salary can vary based on where you work. While 60% of sonographers work in hospitals, others work in physicians’ offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient care centers.

According to the BLS, here’s how salaries break down by workplace:

Specialty

Sonography positions that require highly specialized skills are likely to pay more, Scrivens says. Some specialties, such as OB/GYN, cardiac, and vascular sonography, are more in demand and generally pay more.

When you master multiple specialties, you are qualified for jobs that require a range of expertise, and this can boost your salary.

Job Outlook

Job growth for ultrasound technicians is projected at 14.7% through 2031, according to the BLS.

Baby boomers are driving much of the growth. They are not only getting older but also living longer—and requiring more care for illnesses and chronic conditions such as heart disease.

Ultrasound imaging is the “first line of diagnosis” for many conditions, Scrivens says. “The imaging is immediate, it costs less than other scans, and it’s not dangerous for patients,” she says, making it the go-to imaging technique for many cases, such as blood clots, breast health, and more.

Demand for Sonographers

Demand for sonographers isn’t equally distributed across the U.S. Pockets of high demand tend to be in states with large populations and large cities.

Sonographer Salaries Versus Related Healthcare Roles

A sonographer’s salary is one reason why many people are interested in this profession. It is far from the only healthcare job that is rewarding both financially and personally, though.

Here are similar occupations with similar education requirements.