Tucked away in the upper midwest, North Dakota is the 3rd least populated state. The state, nicknamed the “Peace Garden State,” fared well during the Great Recession due to its natural resources, especially oil. North Dakota’s oil extraction is partially responsible for the states low unemployment number. North Dakota is home to 44 hospitals and 6 level-two trauma centers. There were 220 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in North Dakota in 2018 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The median annual wage for ultrasound technicians employed in North Dakota was $71,030 as of 2018 which is slightly below the national median wage. Analysts project positive growth within the industry over the next 10 years.
Certification Requirements in North Dakota
For those interested in working as a diagnostic medical sonographer in North Dakota, certification is not required. The option is always open and encouraged, and if the person so chooses, they may complete an exam from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) to obtain licensure. There are a few options in North Dakota where prospective ultrasound technicians can complete their education although none have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Ultrasound Technician Salary in North Dakota
Diagnostic medical sonographers working in North Dakota in 2018 earned a median salary of $71,030. This wage is just under the national median wage of $72,570. The top 10% of technicians in North Dakota averaged a salary of $89,190, while those in the bottom 10% averaged $55,160. The median hourly wage for ultrasound technicians in North Dakota in 2018 was $34.15.
North Dakota Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota (all) | $34.15 | $71,030 |
| Bismarck, ND | $33.65 | $69,990 |
| Fargo, ND | $33.72 | $70,130 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018)