Referred to as the “American Heartland,” Iowa is located in the Midwest and is one of the safest states in the nation. The state has a rich history in agriculture, and it’s this industry that most largely comprises Iowa’s economy. As of 2006, Iowa’s health care industry made up 6.3% of the economy. 71% of Iowa’s insurance is provided by Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield. In 2013, there were a total of 590 diagnostic medical sonographers in the state, and this number is expected to increase to 760 total sonographers by 2020.
Iowa was ranked 17th in cost of living, which may explain the lower median annual wage that ultrasound technicians in the state earn compared to the national median. Employment for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by 42% in Indiana from 2010 to 2020.
Certification Requirements in Iowa
There are three private and public schools in Iowa where aspiring ultrasound technicians can receive their ultrasound education. Two of these schools, Mercury College of Health Sciences and University of Iowa Health Care, offer programs to students that have been credited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Certification isn’t actually required for technicians in Iowa, but because some employers prefer licensure. Individuals may choose to complete an exam directed by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Iowa
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Iowa averaged a median annual salary of $58,200 in 2013 compared to the national median of $66,400. Technicians who made up the top 10% of earners averaged $74,800, while those in the bottom 10% earned $45,100. The average median hourly salary for technicians in Iowa was $27.96 in 2013.
The Iowa Workforce Development reports an expected 42% increase in total employment between 2010 and 2020, bringing the total number of technicians in Iowa to 760 by 2020. Analysts project 30 annual job openings after the effects of growth and net replacement.
Iowa Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (all) | $27.96 | $58,200 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $28.15 | $58,600 |
| Davenport – Moline-Rock Island, IA | $23.82 | $49,500 |
| Des Moines – West Des Moines, IA | $28.85 | $60,000 |
| Iowa City, IA | $28.76 | $59,800 |
| Sioux City, IA | $27.13 | $56,400 |
Source: Iowa Wages and Income (2013)
Recommended Schools in Iowa
More Ultrasound Technician Schools in Iowa
Additional ultrasound tech schools in Iowa include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Allen College | 1990 Heath St, Waterloo, Iowa 50703 |
| Mercy College of Health Sciences | 928 Sixth Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 |
| St Luke’s College | 2720 Stone Park Blvd, Sioux City, Iowa 51104 |
| University of Iowa | 101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 |