As an ultrasound technician, you have the opportunity to work in a rewarding and in-demand field while also making a good living. However, if you’re looking to increase your salary and take your career to the next level, it’s important to be proactive and continuously strive for growth. In this article, we’ll provide you with 7 expert tips on how to elevate your ultrasound technician salary and reach your earning potential. From continuing your education to networking and negotiating your salary, these strategies will help you succeed in your career and financially.
Young people of the tech-savvy generation, passionate about getting a job in the health industry, will probably relish the title of the Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Dubbed ultrasound technicians, these sonographers not only get to play with the interesting ultrasound machines but are also among the lucky chaps of the health industry to reap a handsome salary, the average of which is quoted at $54,000 p.a. (highest is marked at around $90,000 p.a. but can earn more).
Tips To Earn A Huge Ultrasound Technician Income:–
1. Get That Prestigious ARDMS Certificate Immediately To Become A Registered Sonographer!
Of course your ultrasound school must have taught you a great many things, from the complex human anatomy to the simple ultrasound machines, and the best ways of taking photography, I mean, sonography shots (beware; the patients may not react well to “Say Cheese”).
But all those intensive ultrasound trainings won’t pay up well, if you don’t have your name registered in the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
Only when you have successfully undergone an oral/written and practical examination would you be rewarded with the coveted ARDMS certificate, and your name will appear on the American sonographers’ registry. That done any employers would welcome you with open arms and a handsome paycheck.
Reports estimated that while the lucky ultrasound technician salary, with ARDMS certificate, is around $29 per hour while those without have to deal with an hourly wage of $11-$20.
2. Learn The Varied Payments Offered By Varied Ultrasound Industries!
Of course, you’d think that the surgical & medical hospitals (privates are much better than government hospitals) are your best chance of employment, and admittedly these health facilities do employ the majority of ultrasonographers, but you will have a more convenient job in either a Physicians’ office or at the outpatient care facilities.
- Ultrasound Professional Schools, Colleges & Universities–$74,540 p.a.
- Outpatient Care Facilities–$72,470 p.a.
- Physician’s Office–$66,050 p.a.
- Hospitals–$65,870 p.a.
- Medical Laboratories–$63,920 p.a.
3. Bigger Sonography Degree For Bigger Job Prospects!
The majority of newly trained ultrasound technicians naturally come out of their schools with an associate’s degree in their hand, for the simple reason that getting associate’s degree does not take more than 2 years and also because most ultrasound jobs are open to associate’s degree holder.
However, there is now a crowd of associate’s degree holding jobless sonographers, and thus it would be wise of you to cut off the competition by getting the Bachelor’s degree in sonography. With this bigger degree, you can be qualified to higher paying jobs like that of a managerial position, earning a six figure ultrasound technician salary.
4. Be Thoroughly Aware Of Different Ultrasound technician salary, Their Specialties & Career Prospects!
The sonography technology, in the old days, may have been limited to obstetrics and gynecology section but now it has now fully fledged into a giant technology, opening 10 or so different specialization fields for the ultrasound wannabes.
Popular Ultrasound technician Salary yearly (In Average):–
- OB/GYN Sonography– $70,000 p.a.
- Abdominal Sonography– $69,000 p.a.
- Cardiac Sonography– $74,540 p.a.
- Neurosonoraphy– $62,000 p.a.
- Vascular Sonography– $68,000 p.a.
- Breast Sonography– $67,000 p.a.
5. Grab Licenses For Multiple Specialties!
Can you handle two different ultrasound specialties…or will three specialties be adequate? You see, there’s even a provision for applying to multiple ultrasound specialties, although you have to retrace back your step and again get enrolled for an accelerated program to be trained for your next specialty.
The idea behind earning multiple specialties is simple, which is to say that an employer is likely to keep a multi-specialty ultrasound technician than hiring two different technicians. The salary would of course be provided befitting your higher potentiality.
6. You Might Need To Settle At One Of The High Paying Countries!
Other than the job facility, the geographical region does also play a huge role in determining “how much does an ultrasound make”. It’s a pity that Alabama ultrasound techs are rumored to earn the lowest salary of around 49,910 p.a. On the other hand, you should consider yourself lucky if you are a resident of one of these high-paying states:–
- California (CA)–$81,750 p.a.
- Oregon (OR)–$80,190 p.a.
- Massachusetts (MA)–$79,650 p.a.
- Colorado (CO)–$79,540 p.a.
- Connecticut (CT)–$79,060 p.a.
7. Experience, Experience and Experience!
Whatever be the field of work, experience counts the most; ultrasound jobs are no exception. At first, the newbies with no experience have to cope with a modest ultrasound technician salary figure (around $54,000) but the more the years you spend working as an ultrasound technician, your salary gradually rises to break beyond $100,000 per annum.
- No Experience Or 1 Year Experience– $24,700 to $60,140
- 1-5 Years Experience– $30,440 to $64,430
- 5-10 Years Experience– $43,000 to $77,440
- 10-20 Years Experience– $44,220 to $88,410
- Above 20 Years Experience – $48,100 to $103,560
What is the starting salary for an ultrasound technician?
The starting ultrasound technician salary can vary depending on a number of factors, including the specific employer, location, level of education and experience, and type of facility. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers (including ultrasound technicians) was $73,860 in May 2020. However, the lowest 10% earned less than $52,180 per year, while the highest 10% earned more than $98,540 per year. It’s worth noting that these figures may vary based on the specific job market and demand for ultrasound technicians in a particular area.
Average ultrasound technician salary Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers (including ultrasound technicians) in Texas was $74,160 as of May 2020. However, it’s worth noting that the salary for ultrasound technicians in Texas can vary based on a number of factors, including the specific employer, location, level of education and experience, and type of facility. It’s also worth considering that the demand for ultrasound technicians in Texas, and the overall job market, may affect the salary that is offered for these positions. It may be helpful to research the specific job market in your area and to consider negotiating your salary when seeking employment as an ultrasound technician in Texas.
What is average ultrasound technician salary Illinois?
According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers, including ultrasound technicians, in Illinois was $71,620 as of May 2020. This means that half of diagnostic medical sonographers in Illinois earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of diagnostic medical sonographers in Illinois earned less than $50,940 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,830 per year.
It’s worth noting that the salary for an ultrasound technician can vary based on a number of factors, including the technician’s level of education and experience, the location of the job, and the specific employer.
What is average ultrasound technician salary Florida?
According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers, including ultrasound technicians, in Florida was $69,180 as of May 2020. This means that half of diagnostic medical sonographers in Florida earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of diagnostic medical sonographers in Florida earned less than $49,420 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $95,670 per year.
It’s worth noting that the salary for an ultrasound technician can vary based on a number of factors, including the technician’s level of education and experience, the location of the job, and the specific employer.
What is average ultrasound technician salary Los Angeles?
The average salary for an Ultrasound Technician in Los Angeles, California is $87,468 per year. This is based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for May 2019. This figure is higher than the national average of $70,890 per year. The highest salary for an Ultrasound Technician in Los Angeles is $115,731 per year and the lowest salary is $63,514 per year. In addition to the salary information, the Bureau of Labor Statistics also provides data on the number of Ultrasound Technicians employed in the Los Angeles area. As of May 2019, there were an estimated 3,450 Ultrasound Technicians employed in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
What is average ultrasound technician salary Houston?
The average salary for an ultrasound technician in Houston, Texas, can vary based on a number of factors, including the technician’s level of education and experience, the location of the job, and the specific employer.
According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers, including ultrasound technicians, in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area was $73,060 as of May 2020. This means that half of diagnostic medical sonographers in the Houston area earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of diagnostic medical sonographers in the Houston area earned less than $52,670 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,600 per year.
It’s important to note that these figures are just estimates and should be used as a general guide. The actual salary of an ultrasound technician in Houston may be higher or lower depending on the technician’s specific qualifications and the demand for their skills in the local job market.
What is average ultrasound technician salary Louisiana?
The average salary for an ultrasound technician in Louisiana can vary based on a number of factors, including the technician’s level of education and experience, the location of the job, and the specific employer.
According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers, including ultrasound technicians, in Louisiana was $69,980 as of May 2020. This means that half of diagnostic medical sonographers in Louisiana earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of diagnostic medical sonographers in Louisiana earned less than $49,630 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,850 per year.
It’s important to note that these figures are just estimates and should be used as a general guide. The actual salary of an ultrasound technician in Louisiana may be higher or lower depending on the technician’s specific qualifications and the demand for their skills in the local job market.
What is average ultrasound technician salary Massachusetts?
The average salary for an ultrasound technician in Massachusetts can vary based on a number of factors, including the technician’s level of education and experience, the location of the job, and the specific employer.
According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers, including ultrasound technicians, in Massachusetts was $78,850 as of May 2020. This means that half of diagnostic medical sonographers in Massachusetts earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of diagnostic medical sonographers in Massachusetts earned less than $54,820 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $111,810 per year.
It’s important to note that these figures are just estimates and should be used as a general guide. The actual salary of an ultrasound technician in Massachusetts may be higher or lower depending on the technician’s specific qualifications and the demand for their skills in the local job market.
What is average ultrasound technician salary Michigan?
As a diagnostic medical sonographer, also known as an ultrasound technician, you play a crucial role in the healthcare field by using specialized equipment to create images of the inside of the body. These images help physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from pregnancy and heart disease to cancer and organ abnormalities.
If you are considering a career as an ultrasound technician in Michigan, you may be wondering about the average salary for this profession in the state. The good news is that diagnostic medical sonographers in Michigan can earn a competitive wage, with the median annual salary for this occupation coming in at $69,840 as of May 2020, according to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that the actual salary of an ultrasound technician in Michigan can vary based on a number of factors. For example, technicians with more education and experience tend to earn higher salaries, as do those who work in larger metropolitan areas or for top-paying employers. In Michigan, the lowest 10 percent of diagnostic medical sonographers earned less than $49,550 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,660 per year.
So, what does it take to become an ultrasound technician in Michigan? Most employers prefer to hire technicians who have completed an accredited training program and have obtained certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). These programs typically take two years to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
Once you have completed your education and obtained certification, you can start looking for employment opportunities in Michigan. Some common places to find jobs as an ultrasound technician in the state include hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and physician’s offices. With the right education and training, you can start a rewarding career as an ultrasound technician in Michigan, helping to improve the lives of patients and contributing to the healthcare system in a meaningful way.
What is average ultrasound technician salary Maryland?
As a diagnostic medical sonographer, also known as an ultrasound technician, you use specialized equipment to create images of the inside of the body, helping physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. If you are considering a career as an ultrasound technician in Maryland, you may be wondering about the average salary for this profession in the state.
According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers in Maryland was $74,520 as of May 2020. This means that half of diagnostic medical sonographers in Maryland earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of diagnostic medical sonographers in Maryland earned less than $53,590 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $106,640 per year.
It’s important to note that these figures are just estimates and should be used as a general guide. The actual salary of an ultrasound technician in Maryland may be higher or lower depending on the technician’s specific qualifications and the demand for their skills in the local job market. For example, technicians with more education and experience tend to earn higher salaries, as do those who work in larger metropolitan areas or for top-paying employers.
To become an ultrasound technician in Maryland, you will need to complete an accredited training program and obtain certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). These programs typically take two years to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. Once you have completed your education and obtained certification, you can start looking for employment opportunities in Maryland.
Some common places to find jobs as an ultrasound technician in the state include hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and physician’s offices. With the right education and training, you can start a rewarding career as an ultrasound technician in Maryland, helping to improve the lives of patients and contributing to the healthcare system in a meaningful way.
Conclusion on “Elevate Your Ultrasound Technician Salary with These 7 Expert Tips”
In conclusion, there are several ways that ultrasound technicians can work to elevate their salary and advance their career in the field. By continually updating their skills and education, networking with industry professionals, and seeking out new job opportunities, technicians can increase their earning potential and take their career to the next level. Some additional expert tips for elevating your ultrasound technician salary include:
- Focus on building your expertise in a specific area of ultrasound. This could include obtaining additional certifications or completing specialized training programs.
- Look for opportunities to gain experience in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers. This can help you build a diverse skill set and make you a more competitive job candidate.
- Consider taking on additional responsibilities, such as mentoring or training new technicians or serving in leadership roles. This can demonstrate your leadership skills and increase your value to employers.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary when you are offered a new job. Be sure to research salary data for your location and industry, and have a clear idea of what you are worth before entering into salary negotiations.
- Keep an eye out for opportunities to advance your career through promotions or leadership roles within your organization. This can often lead to a higher salary and greater job satisfaction.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field by attending conferences and continuing education courses. This can help you stay competitive and demonstrate your commitment to your career.
- Consider pursuing a higher level of education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, to increase your earning potential and open up new job opportunities.
By following these expert tips, you can take control of your career and work to elevate your ultrasound technician salary. With the right combination of education, experience, and dedication, you can achieve your career goals and succeed in this rewarding field.