Nicknamed the “Evergreen State,” Washington is famous for its lush forests and pacific coastlines. It is the 13th most populated state in the nation, but 60% of its population resides in Seattle, the state’s largest city. Economically, Washington is a huge producer of the nation’s lumber. The health care industry is in high demand in Seattle, where the population is largest. In 2013, there were 1,400 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Washington. Total employment is expected to reach 1,590 by 2020.
In 2013, ultrasound technicians in the state of Washington earned a median annual salary of $81,200. Total employment in the state is slated to increase at a rate of 23% over a ten-year span from 2010 to 2020.
Certification Requirements in Washington
More than five institutions in Washington offer programs in ultrasound technology. Four of these institutions offer a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Obtaining certification is not a requirement for diagnostic medical sonographers hoping to work in Washington, but it is highly recommended. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers an exam to become certified.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Washington
The median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Washington was $81,200 – far above the national average of $66,400 in 2013. The top 10% of earners averaged $102,500 whole those in the bottom 10% of earners averaged $63,600 per year. The median hourly wage in 2013 was $39.03 for technicians working in Washington.
The state’s total employment for technicians is predicted to grow 23% increase between 2010 and 2020, which will bring the total technicians employed in Washington to 1,590 by 2020. Due to growth and net replacement analysts estimate 50 annual job openings.
Washington Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Washington (all) | $39.03 | $81,200 |
| Bellingham, WA | $38.92 | $81,000 |
| Bremerton – Silverdale, WA | $39.33 | $81,800 |
| Kennewick – Pasco – Richland, WA | $35.49 | $73,800 |
| Olympia, WA | $36.76 | $76,500 |
| Seattle – Bellevue – Everett, WA | $40.96 | $85,200 |
| Spokane, WA | $38.09 | $79,200 |
| Tacoma, WA | $37.67 | $78,400 |
| Yakima, WA | $32.92 | $68,500 |
Source: Washington Occupational Wages (2013)
Recommended Programs
More Ultrasound Schools in Washington
Other diagnostic medical sonography schools in Washington include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Bellevue College | 3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, Washington 98007 |
| Columbia Basin College | 2600 N 20th Ave, Pasco, Washington 99301 |
| Seattle University | 900 Broadway, Seattle, Washington 98122 |
| Spokane Community College | 1810 North Greene Street, Spokane, Washington 99217 |
| Tacoma Community College | 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, Washington 98466 |