Divided by a river running through the width of the state, Missouri is comprised of two vastly different lands. The northern part surrounds itself with till plains, while the southern half lies in a plateau. It is the 18th most populated state in the nation; the state’s high population lends itself to a favorable number of employment opportunities in the health care industry. The state’s main industries range from aerospace to food processing, but its health care industry is also growing. 1,070 diagnostic medical sonographers were employed in the state in 2013, with total employment of ultrasound technicians set to reach 1,210 by 2020.
Technicians working in Missouri will enjoy a median salary that lands just above the national median at $66,700 per year. The forecast for diagnostic medical sonographers in Missouri is positive, with a 33% increase expected to occur in total employment between 2010 and 2020.
Certification Requirements in Missouri
Ultrasound technicians in Missouri are only recommended, not required, to gain their certification. If the prospective technician decides to become licensed, he or she may complete a voluntary exam directed by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, or ARDMS. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) has accredited five programs in the state of Missouri.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Missouri
The median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in the state of Missouri was $66,700 in 2013, just above the national median of $66,400. For ultrasound technicians who earned in the top 10% of employees, their average annual salary was $87,500. Technicians in the bottom 10% of earners averaged $48,200. The median hourly wage for Missourian technicians in 2013 was $23.06.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development anticipates a positive future for the state’s diagnostic medical sonographers, with a 33% increase in total employment to occur between 2010 and 2020. This growth would result in 1,210 total technicians employed in Missouri by 2020. Due to growth and net replacement prospective ultrasound technicians may see 40 job openings per year in Missouri.
Missouri Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri (all) | $32.06 | $66,700 |
| Cape Girardeau – Jackson, MO | $31.29 | $65,100 |
| Columbia, MO | $29.41 | $61,200 |
| Kansas City, MO | $33.56 | $69,800 |
| Springfield, MO | $29.32 | $61,000 |
| St. Louis, MO | $32.07 | $66,700 |
Source: Missouri Wage Information (2013)
Recommended Programs
More Ultrasound Technician Schools in Missouri
Other accredited sonography schools in Missouri include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Hillyard Technical Center | 3434 Faraon St, Saint Joseph, Missouri 64506 |
| North Central Missouri College | 1301 Main St, Trenton, Missouri 64683 |
| Rolla Technical Institute | 500 Forum Drive, Rolla, Missouri 65401 |
| Saint Louis Community College | 300 South Broadway, Saint Louis, Missouri 63102 |
| State Fair Community College | 3201 W 16th Street, Sedalia, Missouri 65301 |