The southern state of Kentucky is rich in its culture and history. Known for its bourbon whiskey and the Kentucky Derby, it is also the home of bluegrass music, earning it the nickname the “Bluegrass State.” In its earliest days, Kentucky’s main industry was agriculture, which accounted for a large portion of the state’s GDP. Louisville, the state’s most popular city, maintains a large and growing health care industry. Advancements in cancer treatment as well as heart surgery have occurred in Louisville, where one of the first artificial heart transplants was conducted. There were a total of 670 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Kentucky in 2012; total employment is projected to increase to 780 by 2020.
The median annual salary in Kentucky is $57,400 which is lower than the national median of $66,400. However, there is expected to be a 39% growth in the profession between 2010 and 2020 in the state of Kentucky.
Certification Requirements in Kentucky
Like many other states certification is not a requirement for ultrasound technicians working in Kentucky. There are a number of schools located in Kentucky that offer education for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer. There are also 6 accredited programs throughout the state that have been approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Technicians interested in obtaining certification to help build their resume may be able to earn their license from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Kentucky
In 2013, diagnostic medical sonographers in Kentucky averaged a median annual salary of $57,400, which is lower than the national median of $66,400. The top 10% of earners in Kentucky earned $75,200, while those in the lower 10% of earners in Kentucky averaged $40,900 a year. In terms of an hourly rate, Kentucky technicians averaged a median hourly wage of $27.58.
Studies show a growing trend for diagnostic medical sonographers in Kentucky, with an expected 39% growth in total employment between 2010 and 2020. This growth is at a slower rate than the national level of growth, which expects a 46% increase. Nonetheless, this growth will result in 780 total technicians employed by 2020. As a result 30 annual job openings are projected to occur as a result of growth and net replacement.
Kentucky Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (all) | $27.58 | $57,400 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $28.49 | $59,300 |
| Lexington – Fayette, KY | $30.07 | $62,500 |
| Louisville – Jefferson County, KY | $26.40 | $54,900 |
Source: Kentucky Labor Market Information (2013)
Recommended Schools in Kentucky
More Ultrasound Schools in Kentucky
Other diagnostic medical imaging schools in Kentucky include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Hazard Community and Technical College | One Community College Drive, Hazard, Kentucky 41701 |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College | 109 E Broadway, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 |
| Owensboro Community and Technical College | 4800 New Hartford Rd, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303 |
| Saint Catharine College | 2735 Bardstown Road, Saint Catharine, Kentucky 40061 |
| Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College | 1845 Loop Dr, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, Kentucky 42002 |