Virginia has been the home state to most American presidents, earning it the nickname “Mother of Presidents.” Virginia has one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates, making it an excellent state to pursue any career; and with a population that ranks as the 12th largest in the nation it also presents many opportunities for those in health care. 1,380 diagnostic medical sonographers were employed in Virginia in 2013. Growth is inevitable as total employment is set to reach 1,680 by 2020.
The median annual salary for ultrasound technicians in Virginia was $70,300 in 2013. The rate of growth for technicians in Virginia is also projected to expand by 40% from 2010 to 2020.
Certification Requirements in Virginia
There are many schools in Virginia for ultrasound technicians to complete their education. Northern Virginia Community College, Southwest Virginia Community College, and Tidewater Community College are highly recommended for ultrasound technicians and are also the only 3 schools in the state to offer a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Licensure is not required for employment in Virginia, but those who wish to become certified may do so under the American Registry for Medical Diagnostic Sonography (ARMDS).
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Virginia
Diagnostic medical sonographers working in Virginia in 2013 earned a median annual salary of $70,300 compared to the national median of $66,400. The top 10% of earners in Virginia averaged $93,200 annually while the bottom 10% earned on average $49,300 per year. For an hourly rate, the median hourly wage for technicians in Virginia in 2013 was $33.80.
Growth in Virginia for ultrasound technicians is set to occur at a rate of 40% between 2010 and 2020. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be about 1,680 technicians employed in the state of Virginia. Due to growth and net replacement analysts project about 70 new job openings per year.
Virginia Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia (all) | $33.80 | $70,300 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $31.92 | $66,400 |
| Richmond, VA | $33.02 | $68,700 |
| Roanoke, VA | $30.25 | $62,900 |
| Virginia Beach – Norfolk – Newport News, VA | $32.52 | $67,600 |
| Winchester, VA | $36.61 | $76,100 |
Source: Virginia Occupational Wages (2013)
Recommended Schools in Virginia
More Ultrasound Schools in Virginia
Other diagnostic medical sonography schools in Virginia include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| ECPI University | 5555 Greenwich Rd Ste 300, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | 4001 Wakefield Chapel Rd, Annandale, Virginia 22003 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | 501 College Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 |
| Southside Regional Medical Center Professional Schools | 737 South Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia 23803 |
| Tidewater Community College | 121 College Place, Norfolk, Virginia 23510 |