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 $89,340, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Key takeaways
- Ultrasound technicians, also called medical sonographers, have the potential to earn a generous income compared to many other allied health careers that require a similar level of education.
- More education and experience in the field are two major ways to increase your earning potential as an ultrasound tech.
- Location plays a role too—states with the highest average salaries are concentrated on the West and East Coasts.
Ultrasound tech salary 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 $123,170, in contrast to the bottom 10%, who earn $64,760, 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.
More factors that 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:
- Staff sonographer
- Lead sonographer
- Advanced sonographer
- Sonography manager
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 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.
Job outlook
Job growth for ultrasound technicians is projected at 13% through 2034, 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 said. “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
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.