Oregon sits in the far west coast of the nation as the 27th most populated state. Its diverse landscape receives a lot of tourism, as people are interested in seeing the vast Pacific coastline, volcanic mountains, waterfalls, and forests. It is this diverse landscape that provides Oregon with a large agricultural industry. The health care industry fairs well in the state, too, and those interested in working for that industry in Oregon have the most favorable chances of employment in Salem and Portland. 440 diagnostic medical sonographers were employed in the state of Oregon in 2013. This number is expected to reach 590 by 2020.
Those who do decide to work as an ultrasound technician in Oregon may earn a very modest salary. The median annual salary in 2013 in Oregon was $84,800. Total employment is expected to remain steady over the 10 year period from 2010 to 2020.
Certification Requirements in Oregon
Those interested in becoming certified are highly encouraged to do so, especially since certification often increases the likelihood of employment. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) makes licensure easily accessible. The state is quite rural making education options limited. The Oregon Institute of Technology is a public institute located in Klamath Falls that offers a program for future ultrasound technicians.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Oregon
The national median annual salary in 2013 was $66,400. Diagnostic medical sonographers working in Oregon fared much better earning a median annual salary of $84,800. The top 10% of technicians in Oregon averaged a high salary of $104,700 while those in the bottom 10% averaged $66,300 a year. Diagnostic medical sonographers in Oregon who earned an hourly wage averaged a median hourly income of $40.76.
Employment growth is estimated to be flat from 2010 to 2020 although the Oregon Employment Department projects 20 annual job openings due to growth and net replacement.
Oregon Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon (all) | $40.76 | $84,800 |
| Portland – Vancouver – Hillsboro, OR | $41.01 | $85,300 |
| Salem, OR | $40.54 | $84,300 |
Source: Oregon Occupational Information Center (2013)
Recommended Schools in Oregon
More Ultrasound Schools in Oregon
Other diagnostic medical sonography schools in Oregon include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Oregon Institute of Technology | 3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601 |