Ultrasound technician salaries rank among the highest when compared to other medical technician specializations. The salary for ultrasound techs may depend on several variables, including location, qualification, work experience, certification, and education. Typically, the more credentials and work experience, the higher the salary. The state of employment also plays a major factor due to the cost of living and demand variables.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2013 national annual median salary of diagnostic medical sonographers was $66,400, while the median hourly wage was $31.93. Salary is also dependent upon the level of education, with most ultrasound technicians completing a degree or certificate program from an accredited institution.
Ultrasound Technician Salary by State
Find your state below and learn more about the median annual salary and hourly wage earned by ultrasound technicians in your area.
| State | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $23.92 | $49,800 |
| Alaska | $39.63 | $82,400 |
| Arizona | $37.87 | $78,800 |
| Arkansas | $26.92 | $56,000 |
| California | $41.35 | $86,000 |
| Colorado | $36.50 | $75,900 |
| Connecticut | $37.47 | $77,900 |
| Delaware | $32.35 | $67,300 |
| Florida | $28.98 | $60,300 |
| Georgia | $28.66 | $59,600 |
| Hawaii | $37.58 | $78,200 |
| Idaho | $29.85 | $62,100 |
| Illinois | $33.14 | $68,900 |
| Indiana | $30.47 | $63,400 |
| Iowa | $27.96 | $58,200 |
| Kansas | $30.83 | $64,100 |
| Kentucky | $27.58 | $57,400 |
| Louisiana | $27.51 | $57,200 |
| Maine | $34.73 | $72,200 |
| Maryland | $35.07 | $72,900 |
| Massachusetts | $38.71 | $80,500 |
| Michigan | $28.04 | $58,300 |
| Minnesota | $35.34 | $73,500 |
| Mississippi | $27.50 | $57,200 |
| Missouri | $32.06 | $66,700 |
| Montana | $33.41 | $69,500 |
| Nebraska | $29.37 | $61,100 |
| Nevada | $34.48 | $71,700 |
| New Hampshire | $36.11 | $75,100 |
| New Jersey | $32.85 | $68,300 |
| New Mexico | $32.74 | $68,100 |
| New York | $32.20 | $67,000 |
| North Carolina | $30.49 | $63,400 |
| North Dakota | $30.13 | $62,700 |
| Ohio | $28.88 | $60,100 |
| Oklahoma | $30.86 | $64,200 |
| Oregon | $40.76 | $84,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $27.85 | $57,900 |
| Rhode Island | $38.46 | $80,000 |
| South Carolina | $27.33 | $56,800 |
| South Dakota | $25.74 | $53,500 |
| Tennessee | $28.82 | $59,900 |
| Texas | $31.53 | $65,600 |
| Utah | $32.58 | $67,800 |
| Vermont | $33.94 | $70,600 |
| Virginia | $33.80 | $70,300 |
| Washington | $39.03 | $81,200 |
| Washington, DC | $33.25 | $69,200 |
| West Virginia | $26.00 | $54,100 |
| Wisconsin | $38.12 | $79,300 |
| Wyoming | $32.25 | $67,100 |
Source: CareerOneStop; Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey.
Ultrasound Technician Salary by Industry
Industries with the highest salaries for ultrasound technicians generally were those that were hospital based practices or similar facilities. Ultrasound technicians working in outpatient care centers earned the highest annual mean wage compared to all other industries. According to the BLS as of May 2013, the top five highest-paying industries with their annual mean wage include:
- Outpatient care centers: $73,640
- Specialty hospitals: $73,640
- Management of companies and enterprises: $72,910
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services: $71,340
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $70,630
Factors that affect Salary
Several factors that may contribute to ultrasound technicians obtaining a higher salary may include education, certification, and location. Typically, the more specialized and higher level of education and training obtained by the technician, the higher the salary. If the sonographer specializes in cardiac sonography and obtains certification, the sonographer may be qualified to obtain a higher salary than someone who merely practices general sonography. Those who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography may be eligible to seek higher-level positions in management. Depending upon where technicians live, they may qualify for higher pay, especially when factors such as cost of living, demand, and lifestyle play into the overall cost. In addition, those technicians who have experience in the field may demand a higher level of pay, and those who have at least 20 years of experience may demand double or triple the salary of technicians just starting out.
Employment Outlook
According to the BLS, the job growth for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by 46% from 2012-2022, which is much higher than the national average of all occupations. This increase is due to the continued evolution of imaging technology as well as the need for less expensive equipment. More healthcare providers are using these noninvasive measures over invasive ones, and sonographers are needed to operate the machinery. With the baby-boom population aging, these individuals will need to have healthcare practitioners diagnose their medical conditions, and ultrasound technicians will be needed to check for blood clots and tumors. Another benefit for sonographers is the increase in number of patients who have access to healthcare, due to federal regulations.