West Virginia is the 38th most populated state in the nation and is most famous for its mountainous lands and vast outdoor recreational activities. West Virginia’s main industries include logging and mining, but it is also a good place to begin a career in the health care industry, especially in the capital city Charleston. There were 280 total diagnostic medical sonographers employed in West Virginia in 2012, and growth is expected to happen quickly, with total employment reaching 400 by 2020.
The median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in West Virginia was $54,100 in 2013. Analysts estimate total employment will increase by 37% over the 10-year span between 2010 and 2020.
Certification Requirements in West Virginia
There are a variety of public and private institutions located in West Virginia that offer students the opportunity to complete their education in ultrasound technology. West Virginia University Hospitals is the only school in the state to offer a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Although certification is not required for diagnostic medical sonographers to gain employment in West Virginia, it is highly recommended and can be achieved under the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, or ARDMS.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in West Virginia
The median annual salary for ultrasound technicians working in West Virginia was $54,100 in 2013 compared to the national median annual salary of $66,400. Those technicians who fell into the top 10% of earners averaged $73,500 annually while those in the bottom 10% earned $40,200 per year. The median hourly wage for technicians in West Virginia in 2013 was $26.00 per hour.
The Workforce of West Virginia estimates a 37% increase in total employment of ultrasound technicians between 2010 and 2020, bringing the total number of ultrasound technicians employed in West Virginia to 400 by 2020. Analysts project about 20 annual job openings as a result of net replacement and growth.
West Virginia Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia (all) | $26.00 | $54,100 |
| Charleston, WV | $25.55 | $53,100 |
| Huntington – Ashland, WV | $29.14 | $60,600 |
| Morgantown, WV | $24.74 | $51,500 |
| Parkersburg – Marietta – Vienna, WV | $23.89 | $49,700 |
Source: West Virginia Occupational Wages (2013)
Recommended Schools in West Virginia
More Ultrasound Schools in West Virginia
Other diagnostic medical sonography schools in West Virginia include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| West Virginia University Hospital Departments of Rad Tech and Nutrition | Medical Ctr Dr, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506 |