Minnesota is the 12th largest state in the US and is widely known for its mixed political and social perspectives. It is considered one of the healthiest of the 50 states. Minnesota is home to the “Twin Cities” but also large western prairies used mainly for agriculture. As a state with a large demographic of baby boomers, there are more seniors in need of health care, allowing for the industry to grow. As of 2013, there were 1,330 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Minnesota. Total employment is continuing to rise and is expected to reach 1,690 by 2020.
Minnesota is a promising state for ultrasound technicians, offering a median annual salary higher than the national median. The future for the profession is positive as well, with a 35% increase expected to occur between 2010 and 2020.
Certification Requirements in Minnesota
It’s not necessary for technicians in Minnesota to gain certification, though many decide to do so to increase their chance of employment. Four schools in the state of Minnesota have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP). For those technicians who decide to become licensed, there is a voluntary exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Minnesota
The median annual salary for technicians working in Minnesota is higher than the national average; in 2013, Minnesotan ultrasound technicians averaged $73,500. The top 10% of earners averaged $92,100 a year while those in the bottom 10%, average an annual salary of $57,900 per year. Diagnostic medical sonographers who were paid on an hourly basis in 2013 averaged $35.34 in the state of Minnesota.
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development there is projected to be a 35% increase in total employment between 2010 and 2020. This growth would bring the total number of diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Michigan to 1,690 by 2020. The effects of this growth and net replacement are expected to result in 60 annual job openings.
Minnesota Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (all) | $35.34 | $73,500 |
| Duluth, MN | $33.26 | $69,200 |
| Mankato – North Mankato, MN | $35.25 | $73,300 |
| Minneapolis – St. Paul – Bloomington, MN | $35.26 | $73,300 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $37.45 | $77,900 |
Source: Minnesota Wage Information (2013)
Recommended Programs
More Ultrasound Tech Schools in Minnesota
Other diagnostic medical sonography schools in Minnesota include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Argosy University-Twin Cities | 1515 Central Parkway, Eagan, Minnesota 55121 |
| Lake Superior College | 2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, Minnesota 55811 |
| Mayo School of Health Sciences | 200 First St SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905 |
| St Catherine University | 2004 Randolph Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105 |
| St Cloud Technical and Community College | 1540 Northway Drive, Saint Cloud, Minnesota 56303 |