Get The Yulys App

Highlights

1. Ultrasound technicians, or sonographers, use high-frequency sound waves to create images for diagnosing various medical conditions.
2. Sonography has diverse specialties, including cardiac, abdominal, breast, and vascular imaging.
3. Becoming an ultrasound tech requires 2-4 years of study, certification, and anatomy and medical imaging knowledge.
4. The U.S. median hourly wage for sonographers is $40.53, with entry-level salaries varying widely by location.
5. Job growth for ultrasound technicians is projected to grow 11% from 2023-2033, driven by increased healthcare needs.

When you think of "ultrasound," you probably picture a pregnant woman seeing her baby for the first time on a screen. While this is the most common use, ultrasounds can examine almost any part of the human body.

Ultrasound technicians, also called sonographers, mainly work in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs. According to O*Net, they use ultrasound machines to create images doctors use to diagnose patients.

In this guide, we’ll cover ultrasound tech salary in the US, the benefits of this job, and how to become one. 

What Does an Ultrasound Technician Do?

An ultrasound machine uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of a patient’s internal organs and tissues. As an ultrasound technician, you operate this equipment and capture these images. Doctors then use these images to diagnose medical conditions.

While most people associate ultrasounds with monitoring pregnancies, these machines have many other uses. You might analyze breast tissue, examine the brain and spinal cord, or check organs in the abdominal area. Some technicians specialize, such as cardiac sonographers, who focus on imaging the heart.

Being an ultrasound technician is more than just handling machines. You’ll also interact with patients, guiding them through the process. Many patients may feel nervous or self-conscious, so strong communication and empathy are essential alongside your technical skills.

Types of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Diagnostic medical sonographers focus on imaging specific parts of the body. Here are the main types:

Abdominal Sonographers

These specialists capture images of your abdominal organs, like the liver, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder, and spleen. They also assist during procedures like biopsies where ultrasound guidance is needed.

Breast Sonographers

Breast sonographers focus on imaging breast tissue to detect tumors or cysts. They assist in tracking changes in tumors and provide valuable information to guide treatment decisions.

Neuro sonographer

Neurosonographers create images of the brain and nervous system using transcranial Doppler. This method helps examine blood flow and detect issues in the nervous system.

Cardiac Sonographers (Echocardiographers)

Cardiac sonographers specialize in imaging the heart, including its chambers, valves, and vessels. They can also perform fetal echocardiograms to check for heart conditions during pregnancy.

Musculoskeletal Sonographers

These professionals take images of muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. They often assist with ultrasound-guided procedures, like surgical treatments or medication injections.

Pediatric Sonographers

Pediatric sonographers work with infants and children, capturing images related to congenital disabilities or conditions in premature babies. They collaborate closely with pediatricians.

Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonographers

These sonographers focus on the female reproductive system and pregnancy. They monitor fetal development and maternal health, often performing the ultrasounds people commonly associate with pregnancy.

Vascular Technologists (Vascular Sonographers)

Vascular sonographers image blood vessels, including veins and arteries. They help detect blood clots, blockages, and other blood flow problems, providing critical data for diagnosing vascular diseases.

Are you a sonographer looking for jobs near you? Yulys jobs near me filter will help you find local employment opportunities in your area. Whether you're just starting or looking for your next career move, you can easily post your resume or find a job post that matches your skills. Get connected with employers and take the next step toward your dream job with Yulys today!

Is It Hard to Pursue a Career as an Ultrasound Tech?

Starting a career as an ultrasound technician might seem challenging, but it’s achievable with the right focus. Two key factors to consider are earning your degree and the profession’s promising job growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), ultrasound tech jobs are expected to grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average. This demand is driven by the aging baby-boomer generation needing more diagnostic tests for cardiovascular and other conditions.

After completing 2-4 years of study and earning your certification, you could work in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic labs. Most of your courses will focus on science and human anatomy, which is essential for understanding how to use the sonogram machine effectively. Once you’ve finished your program, you’ll be eligible to take the certification exam and begin your career.

How Do You Become an Ultrasound Technician?

Before moving towards the average ultrasound technician salary, let’s first know how to become one.

There are several paths to becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer. The most common is completing a two-year accredited program to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. Others choose a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in sonography. If you already have healthcare training, you might qualify for a one-year certificate program in sonography.

Both two- and four-year programs typically include courses in:

1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Anatomy
4. Physiology
5. Physics
6. Medical terminology

You’ll also take classes specific to your chosen sonography specialty.

Once you’ve earned your degree, you must pass a certification exam through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Depending on your specialty, additional certifications and exams may be required.

How Much Do Sonographers Make?

The Ultrasound tech hourly wage in the U.S. is $40.53. Moreover, hourly wages can range from $22.84 to $55.05. Moreover, sonographer pay scale can fall between $33.65 (25th percentile) and $43.27 (75th percentile).

What Is the Entry-level Ultrasound Tech Salary?

The average entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer salary in the U.S. is $2,116. Moreover, weekly wages range from $760 to $3,135. Most entry-level sonographers earn between $1,557 (25th percentile) and $2,634 (75th percentile). 

Ultrasound Technician Salary By State and Cities in the U.S.

Here are some of the highest paying states for ultrasound technicians, along with the average hourly rates:

1. Salinas, CA: $106 per hour 
2. Montgomery, AL: $96.54 per hour 
3. Saint Helena, CA: $89.67 per hour 
4. Portland, OR: $79.74 per hour 
5. Austin, TX: $76.50 per hour
6. Detroit, MI: $73.03 per hour
7. Glenwood Springs, CO: $64.03 per hour 
8. Colorado Springs, CO: $44.63 per hour 
9. Durham, NC: $37.59 per hour 

Summary 

Becoming an ultrasound technician offers a rewarding career with strong job prospects and the opportunity to specialize in various areas of healthcare. With an average ultrasound tech salary of $40.53 per hour, it’s a well-paying profession, especially in high-demand locations. Whether you're interested in working with cardiac, pediatric, or vascular patients, the possibilities are vast, making it an exciting career choice.