Montana is rich in history and culture. Nicknamed “The Last Best Place,” the state is home to international attractions like Yellowstone National Park and Old Faithful. Its economy largely relies on its agriculture and ranching industry, but its health care, government, and service industries also make up a fair portion of the economy. There were 190 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Montana and 2013. Growth is predicted to transpire, though, and total employment numbers for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to reach 240 by 2020.
Ultrasound technicians working in Montana receive a salary slightly above the national average, coming in at $69,500. There is a very positive growth outlook predicted for technicians in the state, though, with a 58% increase in total employment predicted to occur between 2010 and 2020.
Certification Requirements in Montana
Like most states, certification is not necessary for ultrasound technicians to be employed in Montana. Many employers value the security that accompanies certification, though, and may be more likely to hire those with a license. Ultrasound technicians who are interested in becoming certified can do so by completing an exam through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Despite the number of schools that are present in the state, there are no programs offered by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in Montana.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Montana
Diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Montana received a median annual wage of $69,500 in 2013, compared to the national median of $66,400. For sonographers who earned in the top 10% of workers, their average annual salary was $89,300 while those in the bottom 10% earned an average salary of $49,500 in 2013. Ultrasound technicians in Montana paid on an hourly basis earned a median hourly wage of $33.41 in 2013.
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry predicts a 58% increase in total employment to occur between 2010 and 2020, bringing total number of ultrasound technicians employed in Montana to 240 by 2020. This growth, coupled with the net replacement that follows, will result in a projected 10 annual job openings.
Montana Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Montana (all) | $33.41 | $69,500 |
| Billings, MT | $33.43 | $69,500 |
| Great Falls, MT | $33.63 | $70,000 |
Source: Montana Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Wages (2013)