In this Article
Professional insights: Kate Scrivens
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 $96,590, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Key takeaways
- Salaries for ultrasound techs vary based on factors like education, experience, location and workplace, with urban areas generally paying more.
- Acquiring additional certifications can significantly enhance earning potential for sonographers.
- Job growth for ultrasound technicians is strong, driven largely by the aging baby boomer population needing more healthcare services.
- The demand for sonographers is highest in populated metro areas, highlighting career opportunities in major cities.
How much do ultrasound techs make?
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 $129,370, in contrast to the bottom 10%, who earn $67,820, according to BLS data.
Sonographer salaries by metro area
As a general rule, sonographers in big cities tend to earn more than sonographers working more rural areas, often due to the difference in the cost of living. In urban centers, hospitals and health systems that serve large populations of patients may be willing to pay more to employ enough sonographers.
Take a look at the top paying metropolitan areas in the country. According to the BLS, they are all in California.
What factors affect a sonographer’s 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,” said Kate Scrivens, a sonographer in Central Oregon. “Unseasoned sonographers have a lot of on-the-job learning to do and pay reflects that.”
The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography maintains a list of model descriptions for typical medical monographer roles from entry-level to advanced. While every individual job is unique, it’s reasonable to assume that these job titles—and the experience required to perform them—reflect an increase in earning potential as you move up the career ladder:
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 said. “Getting as many credentials and variety of experience as you can help with earning potential.”
Workplace
Your salary can also vary based on where you work. While about 57% of sonographers work in hospitals, others work in physicians’ offices (21%), medical and diagnostic laboratories (10%), and outpatient care centers (4%).
According to the BLS, here’s how salaries break down by workplace. As you can see, medical sonographers that work in outpatient care centers tend to earn much more on average. However, keep in mind that they only make up a small percentage of the overall workforce.
| Outpatient care centers | $123,610 |
| Hospitals | $90,070 |
| Physicians’ offices | $89,450 |
| Medical and diagnostic labs | $83,200 |
Specialty
Sonography positions that require highly specialized skills are likely to pay more, Scrivens said. 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.
What’s the job outlook for ultrasound techs?
Job growth for ultrasound technicians is projected to be 13.9% through 2035, according to the BLS. This is quite a bit higher than the average across all occupations.
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 said. “The imaging is immediate, it costs less than other scans and it’s not dangerous for patients,” she said, making it the go-to imaging technique for many cases, such as blood clots, breast health and more.
Where do most ultrasound techs work?
Take a look at the top metro areas that employ the most sonographers in the U.S. Unsurprisingly, there are more medical sonographers working in more populated areas. The New York City metro area employs the most by far.
Ultrasound tech 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.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much do ultrasound technicians make per hour?
The median hourly wage for diagnostic medical sonographers is approximately $46 per hour, based on the BLS median annual salary of $96,590. Actual hourly pay can vary depending on experience, geographic location, specialty, employer and whether a sonographer works full or part time.
What is the starting salary for an ultrasound technician?
There is no single national starting salary for ultrasound technicians because entry-level pay varies by location, employer, specialty and experience. However, the BLS reports that the lowest 10% of diagnostic medical sonographers earn less than $67,820 per year. This figure includes workers at the lower end of the profession and should not be interpreted as a specific starting salary.
What state pays ultrasound technicians the most?
California has some of the highest-paying opportunities for ultrasound technicians in the U.S. The median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in California is the highest in the country at $128,530. Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Massachusetts are among other states with median salaries above $100,000.
Is ultrasound technology a good career for the future?
Ultrasound technology has a strong employment outlook. The BLS projects employment of diagnostic medical sonographers to grow 13.9% through 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. That comes out to about 5,800 job openings each year over that period, driven in part by an aging population and growing use of ultrasound imaging.