Most famous for New Orleans and crawfish, Louisiana is the 25th most populated state in the nation. The majority of the state was formed as sediment washed down the Mississippi River that left deltas and huge areas of marsh and swamp. Seafood is Louisiana’s main export in agriculture; it yields approximately 90% of the world’s supply of crawfish. The health care sector in Louisiana, though, plays a large role in stimulating local economies throughout the state. There were a total of 710 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Louisiana in 2013. By 2020 analysts expect that number to reach 1,080.
For diagnostic medical sonographers in Louisiana, the median annual salary is slightly below the national median, coming in at $57,200 in 2013. Total employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow by 35% between 2010 and 2020.
Certification Requirements in Louisiana
Certification is not a requirement for ultrasound technicians in Louisiana, but it is always an option. Many employees place value on licensure. Technicians may complete a voluntary exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). There are 5 schools in Louisiana where students can go to receive their ultrasound education. 2 of these schools offer a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Louisiana
Ultrasound technicians in Louisiana averaged a median annual salary of $57,200 in 2013. This was lower than the national median for the same year of $66,400. Ultrasound technicians who earned in the top 10% of workers in Louisiana averaged an annual salary of $77,500, while those who placed in the bottom 10% of earners made $42,200. The median hourly wage for technicians in Louisiana in 2013 was $27.51.
The Louisiana Department of Labor expects a positive increase in total employment between 2010 and 2020 of 35%. This increase would translate into 1,080 total ultrasound technicians employed in the state by 2020. The growth and net replacement that follows is expected to produce an expected 40 annual job openings.
Louisiana Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana (all) | $27.51 | $57,200 |
| Alexandria, LA | $25.39 | $52,800 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $26.80 | $55,700 |
| Houma – Bayou Cane – Thibodaux, LA | $26.69 | $55,500 |
| Lafayette, LA | $27.58 | $57,400 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $26.18 | $54,500 |
| Monroe, LA | $38.81 | $80,700 |
| New Orleans – Metairie – Kenner, LA | $28.65 | $59,600 |
| Shreveport – Bossier City, LA | $28.17 | $58,600 |
Source: Louisiana Occupational Wage Data (2013)
Recommended Programs
More Ultrasound Schools in Louisiana
Other popular diagnostic medical sonography schools in Louisiana include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Baton Rouge Community College | 201 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 |
| Delgado Community College | 615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 |
| Louisiana State University-Eunice | 2048 Johnson Hwy, Eunice, Louisiana 70535 |
| Our Lady of Holy Cross College | 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70131 |