Named after the famous river that borders the state, Mississippi sits comfortably in the south as the 32nd most extensive state. Aside from its delicious catfish, the state ranks near the bottom in the United States in terms of health, education, and income. Unfortunately the demand for medical professionals in the state is relatively. There were a total of 480 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Mississippi in 2012. Though there is growth expected to occur in the profession, it is minimal as its anticipated there will be 550 total ultrasound technicians employed in the state by 2020.
The median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Mississippi is $57,200 which is lower than the national median. The state only expects an 18% increase in total employment of diagnostic medical sonographers between 2010 and 2020.
Certification Requirements in Mississippi
Only one school – Hinds Community College – offers a credited program by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) in the state of Mississippi. Certification is not a requirement for Mississippian technicians, but many employers prefer technicians who have chosen to become licensed as this shows a strong handle of the skills and subject. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers a voluntary exam to obtain certification.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Mississippi
In 2013, the median annual salary for Mississippian technicians was $57,200, compared to the national median of $66,400. The lower median annual salary may be attributed to the lower cost of living. Those who fell in the top 10% of earners averaged an annual salary of $74,100; while those in the bottom 10% earned $30,600. The median hourly wage for the same year was $27.50 for ultrasound technicians in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security predicts very little growth to occur between 2010 and 2020, with total employment of ultrasound technicians in the state of Mississippi only growing 18%. This growth in Mississippi will result in 550 total technicians employed in the state by 2020. As a result of this growth and net replacement, analysts project 10 annual job openings.
Mississippi Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi (all) | $27.50 | $57,200 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $25.53 | $53,100 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $28.03 | $58,300 |
| Jackson, MS | $28.81 | $59,900 |
Source: Mississippi Occupational Wages (2013)
Recommended Programs
More Ultrasound Schools in Mississippi
Other diagnostic medical sonography schools in Mississippi include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Hinds Community College | 505 East Main Street, Raymond, Mississippi 39154 |
| Itawamba Community College | 602 W Hill Street, Fulton, Mississippi 38843 |
| Jones County Junior College | 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, Mississippi 39437 |