How Much Do Ultrasound Techs Make?

When researching a career in sonography, many professionals wonder, how much do Ultrasound Techs make? The answer is dependent on a number of factors. By developing clear images and increasing their skills, Sonographers can undoubtedly “climb the employment ladder.” This will yield increased opportunities, recognition and potentially pay.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is $71,410. However, salaries in this career may range between $50,760 and $99,840. Exact wages are normally dependent upon the employer of the Ultrasound Tech, their region of employment, years of experience and education level. To ensure that a prospective Sonographer is competent to work in the field, a standard education is usually comprised of an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or certificate.

In addition, the top paying employers of Ultrasound Technicians and Sonographers are outpatient care centers, hospitals, the offices of Family Physicians and medical and diagnostic laboratories. Most often, Ultrasound Techs working in outpatient care centers tend to earn around $81,000 annually, whereas those who are employed by the offices of Physicians or hospitals earn somewhere between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. Alternatively, Sonographers who work in medical and diagnostic laboratories earn roughly $10,000 less per year, bringing their average annual wages to $40,000 to $50,000.

Prospective Sonographers should first understand that a career in healthcare as an Sonographer is a great point of entry into the broader field of healthcare. Throughout their career, they will learn about clinical rotations, basic healthcare principles and how ultrasound works. This knowledge creates a foundation which can later be used to transition into other Health Educator or Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist. Career development can truly define an Ultrasound Tech’s potential earnings.

What will the future hold for Ultrasound Techs?

Today, Imaging & Diagnostics career professionals are being sought out at an increased rate because the images they produce provide great insight into the early detection of conditions and chronic illnesses. By producing these images, Ultrasound Techs are able to better ensure that Physicians and Surgeons have the materials they need to make accurate diagnoses and conclusions.

The importance of their work has caused employment of Ultrasound Technicians to be projected to increase by 44 percent over the course of the next decade. With more Sonographers available to produce images, patients will have even greater access to the technology capable of identifying tumors, masses blockages, lesions, etc. In many cases, early detection is fundamental to treating and overcoming detected ailments.

For example, the World Health Organization states that early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances for successful treatment. Furthermore, the American Cancer Society recognizes that Cancer screening tests can also prevent thousands of additional cancer deaths through identification and removal of pre-malignant abnormalities (colorectal and cervical) and detection of cancers at an early stage when treatment is more effective.

Setting up for success

Planning ways to improve or advance a career is always a great idea! Sonographers have many options to keep their careers advancing. To ensure that an Ultrasound Tech has appropriately pre-planned to advance their career, and therefore salary, these professionals must stay up-to-date on industry tips and trends. There are imagining opportunities that will exist in the future due to ever-advancing technologies. These future opportunities for advancement are just one of the many reasons to stay excited and optimistic about the field of sonography!

Becoming certified in more than one specialty, such as obstetrics and the abdomen, will further increase one’s marketability and employment prospects. If their goal is to climb up the professional ladder, Ultrasound Techs must voice their desire to advance their career, learn new skills and acquire increased responsibilities. Employers will recognize this ambition, enthusiasm and diligence!

Learn more about a career as a Sonographer, including educational requirements and avenues for advancement today!