Pennsylvania is one of the original colonies involved in the foundation of the United States, and as such, is filled with American history. Some of the nation’s most popular cities are in Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Pittsburgh is so nicknamed the “Steel City” since its home to U.S. Steel, amongst other Fortune 500 companies. The health care industry makes up over 16% of the state’s economy, which means Pennsylvania is an opportune location for those in the health care to seek employment. There were a total 2,620 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in the state in 2013. Total employment is expected to reach 2,910 by 2020.
The median annual salary for ultrasound technicians in Pennsylvania was $57,900 in 2013. The rate of growth for ultrasound technicians in Pennsylvania is slated for 30% between 2010 and 2020.
Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is thriving with educational opportunities. There are over 15 different institutions for aspiring ultrasound technicians to complete degree or certificate in ultrasound technology. Of the plethora of schools, 13 of them offer a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Though not required, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) also offers an optional exam for licensure, which is highly encouraged.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Pennsylvania
In 2013, the median annual salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer in Pennsylvania was $57,900 compared to the national median of $66,400. The median hourly wage for those working on an hourly basis in 2013 was $27.85 per hour. The top 10% of earners averaged a salary of $81,700 while the bottom 10% earned $42,300 per year.
Analysts at the Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information & Analysis estimate a 30% increase in total employment between 2010 and 2020 bringing the total number of diagnostic medical sonographers to 2,910 by 2020. This growth along with net replacement is expected to produce 100 new openings annually.
Pennsylvania Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (all) | $27.85 | $57,900 |
| Allentown – Bethlehem – Easton, PA | $30.92 | $64,300 |
| Erie, PA | $24.03 | $50,000 |
| Harrisburg – Carlisle, PA | $28.33 | $58,900 |
| Lancaster, PA | $31.18 | $64,900 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $27.90 | $58,000 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $26.68 | $55,500 |
| Scranton – Wilkes-Barre, PA | $28.58 | $59,400 |
| York – Hanover, PA | $30.18 | $62,800 |
Source: PA WorkStats (2013)
Recommended Programs
More Ultrasound Schools in Pennsylvania
Other diagnostic medical sonography schools in Pennsylvania include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Community College of Allegheny County | 800 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Technology | 5100 Peach Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16509 |
| Harrisburg Area Community College-Harrisburg | 1 HACC Dr., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110 |
| Lackawanna College | 501 Vine St, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509 |
| Misericordia University | 301 Lake St, Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612 |
| Northampton County Area Community College | 3835 Green Pond Rd, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18020 |
| Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences | 410 N Lime Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602 |
| South Hills School of Business & Technology | 480 Waupelani Dr, State College, Pennsylvania 16801 |
| Thomas Jefferson University | 1020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107 |
| Westmoreland County Community College | 145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, Pennsylvania 15697 |