Ultrasound technology, also known as sonography, has been around since the 1930s, but only recently has its use become widespread among medical professionals. An ultrasound technician works with an x-ray machine that uses sound waves to create images of various body parts and organs to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. How much do ultrasound techs make? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this type of medical technician will earn an average annual salary of $112,000 in 2022. Let’s take a closer look at how much ultrasound techs make based on years of experience and education level.
An Overview of Ultrasound Technician Salaries
While it’s impossible to offer an exact salary for ultrasound technicians, here are some facts about what ultrasound techs typically earn. Entry-level technicians may only need a high school diploma and extensive on-the-job training to earn $30,000-$40,000 per year.
With experience and additional education, techs can make $50,000-$60,000 per year; some top-performing technicians have reported earning as much as $70,000 annually. And with a master’s degree in medical science or business administration and five years of experience or more under your belt, you could be looking at an annual salary upwards of $80,000. bothwellmedicalrooms.co.uk is going to give you more information about it.
Ultrasound Technicians earn the most money in the following fields:
- Neuro (brain) sonography: $112,000
- Pediatric cardiac sonography: $80,000
- Cardiac sonography
- Vascular sonography: $68,000
Costs of Getting an Ultrasound Technician Degree
Just like in any occupation, it takes hard work and an investment of time and money to become a certified ultrasound technician. The actual costs will vary based on which program you enrol in and whether or not you already have a degree.
If you’re looking to earn your bachelor’s degree in ultrasound technology, then you can expect to pay anywhere from $12,000-$32,000 per year, depending on how far away from campus you go for school (private school tuition is usually more expensive than public school tuition) and what state or country where the school is located. Some schools offer financial aid packages, so be sure to apply for all scholarships that might be available.
Earning Potential as an Ultrasound Technician
While ultrasound tech salaries can vary from place to place, generally speaking, these professionals make quite a bit of money. Entry-level ultrasound techs can expect to earn an average salary of about $65,000 annually, which increases based on location and experience. More experienced professionals have an average salary of around $70,000 per year.
The highest earners are technicians who work in New York City; they bring home an average salary of just over $87,000 each year. In Washington D.C., professionals earn an average annual salary of just under $90,000 per year, while those in Chicago make approximately $84,000 annually on average, and those in Houston earn approximately $78,500 per year on average.
Ultrasound Technician Salary by State
While ultrasound tech salaries vary state by state, on average, they tend to hover between $34,000 and $56,000. For example, ultrasound techs working in New York can expect to make anywhere from $57,945 – $98,890 a year. In contrast, California tends to pay its technicians slightly more; they earn a mean salary of $73,771.
Though workers in either state will probably have different benefits packages depending on their employer and employment level (whether they are permanent full-time employees or contractors), they’ll still benefit from federal programs such as Social Security and Medicare, along with any applicable income tax deductions. And there is always overtime pay! The professionals we interviewed say working at night affords them plenty of flexibility.
Tips for Success as a Sonographer
Becoming an ultrasound tech requires a specific set of skills and knowledge to succeed. So, if you’re considering becoming an ultrasound tech, here are some tips to ensure that you become a successful ultrasound tech. First and foremost, sonographers must be detail-oriented individuals who are capable of using their senses to record health data from patients. They must also work well under pressure and meet deadlines to produce quality patient reports on time. In addition, ultrasound techs need good communication skills to relay sensitive medical information appropriately during treatments or surgeries.
Conclusion
The field of sonography is a highly competitive one. Without a certified degree, it can be challenging to get a job in a hospital setting. If you do want to pursue employment at a hospital, you will want to specialize in your training and earn an advanced degree. Hospital positions tend to pay more than jobs at doctor’s offices and outpatient facilities. The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $66,640 in May 2015. The top 10 per cent earned more than $95,250 annually, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $47,170 per year on average.
