Alaska sits at the northwest end of the North American continent. It is the largest of the 50 states in terms of area, and yet it is also the fourth least populated state. Though Alaska’s economy relies mainly on the oil, natural gas, and fishing industries, its health care industry is quickly growing and expanding. Even the rural communities in Alaska, where employment is limited, have witnessed the growing number of employment opportunities offered by the health care industry. 2013 saw a total of 80 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Alaska. By the year 2020, total employment is expected to reach 200.
Alaska trumps the national median salary significantly. In 2013, the nation averaged a median wage of $66,400, while diagnostic medical sonographers in Alaska averaged a median wage of $82,400; this higher wage is perhaps attributed to the state’s small population. The future of total job growth is positive, with an expected 33% increase in total employment from 2010 to 2020.
Certification Requirements in Alaska
Certification is not a requirement for ultrasound technicians looking to work in Alaska, although it is highly recommended. Unfortunately, there are no schools in Alaska that have been accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Because of this, many suggest that those who wish to be a diagnostic medical sonographer in the state of Alaska receive their education and optional certification elsewhere. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers options to obtain certification.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Alaska
For ultrasound technicians in Alaska, the median salary earned in 2013 was $82,400, which was much higher than the national median of $66,400. Technicians in the top 10% of earners averaged $96,300 in 2013, while the bottom 10% still earned an average just shy of the national’s median – $63,400. Those who prefer to be paid on an hourly basis receive a median hourly wage of $39.63 in Alaska.
The Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development predicts there to be a 33% growth in total job numbers from 2010 to 2010. Despite this growth, however, the projected annual openings from growth and net replacement remains stagnant at 0 per year.
Alaska Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska (all) | $39.63 | $82,400 |
| Anchorage, AK | $38.59 | $80,300 |
Source: Alaska Wage Information (2013)
Recommended Schools in Alaska
More Ultrasound Technician Schools in Alaska
Other schools in Alaska that offer programs in diagnostic medical sonography include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| University of Alaska Anchorage | 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508 |