Salary for ultrasound technicians: This is how much sonographers will earn in 2023 (2023)

FAQs

What's the highest paying sonography? ›

Since sonography is safe and relatively affordable compared with radiation imaging techniques, the field continues to grow at a faster pace than other occupations. The BLS projects sonography to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average occupational growth, adding around 14,000 positions.

This occupation has been voted '35%' by our users to be fully automated within the next two decades. Our visitors have voted that there is a small chance this occupation will be replaced by robots/AI. This is further validated by the automation risk level we have generated, which suggests a 48% chance of automation.

How Much Does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Make? Diagnostic Medical Sonographers made a median salary of $77,740 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $95,360 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $62,560.

On average, sonographers make a median salary of $72,510. Sonographers usually work at least 40 hours a week, but this can vary depending on your place of employment may be required to work on some weekends and be on call.

Sonographers may choose to increase their clinical skillset by working towards a different clinical career. Becoming an advanced provider (physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapist) is an option for sonographers interested in a second clinical career.

To become a skilled sonographer, one has to get a lot of “trans- ducer time” under the tutelage of an educated sonographer. A part of the shortage is due to the lack of clini- cal education sites with skilled clinical instructors.

Is ultrasound tech a lot of math? ›

Because of the nature of these courses, solid math and science skills are critical for program success. Algebra is also used in the actual process of sonography. For example, you'll need to use math to determine the circumference of the abdomen before beginning an ultrasound of the stomach.

Radiology techs and sonography techs also pursue different studies and earn different salaries. A radiology tech makes an average of $50,872, according to Glassdoor.com. Ultrasound techs make an average of $67,332, according to the same website.

Sonographer. An ultrasound technician uses ultrasound technology to monitor medical conditions in the body, while a sonographer uses ultrasound technology to monitor, diagnose, or treat disease in the soft tissues and organs of the body.

Your job may be stressful

As an ultrasound technician, you may be called to emergent situations where your findings may determine what life-saving measures must be instituted.

Most full-time sonographers work about 40 hours a week; they may have evening and weekend hours and times when they are on call and must be ready to report to work on short notice.

Sonographers who apply sustained pressure on the transducer for prolonged periods of time are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal injury (WRMSI). There are specific injuries identified in sonographers due to awkward postures and placement of the equipment.

Most healthy women receive two ultrasound scans during pregnancy. "The first is, ideally, in the first trimester to confirm the due date, and the second is at 18-22 weeks to confirm normal anatomy and the sex of the baby," explains Mendiola.

We aim for 8 per sonographer per day. We have a significant proportion of morbidly obese patients, 30-40%. ...

Long and varying work hours: Sonographers often work in hospitals and clinics that stay open long hours. You could work nights and/or weekends to best serve your patients. Difficult patients: Some patients will be struggling with difficult emotional situations.

How much do OB GYN ultrasound technicians get paid in California? ›

As of Feb 22, 2023, the average annual pay for an Obstetric Sonographer in California is $93,032 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $44.73 an hour.

Yet, to become a Registered Nurse, you'll need to attend a two-year Associate program. Due to these requirements, a sonography program might be a bit more challenging than a CNA program. It all depends on the path you choose.

There is no question sonography school is super tough. The experience tests your intelligence, emotional reserves, perseverance and competence. Many of my peers have told me it's the single hardest thing they've ever done. Even with great coping mechanisms it can push you to the edge of your limits.

However, many students find that a nursing degree offers significant benefits over a sonography degree, including more overall job opportunities, more focus on direct patient care, greater opportunity to specialize in an area of interest and more predictable processes for career advancement.

Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual salary for Sonographers in 2016, Cardiovascular Technologists, Vascular Technologists, and related technician positions was $71,750 or $34.49 per hour. The average annual wage for Registered Nurses in 2016 was $72,180 or $34.70 per hour.

The term “sonographer's shoulder” was coined in a 1985 study. [i] More than a decade later, another study showed that most sonographers (84%) experienced musculoskeletal pain related to scanning, with neck, shoulder, wrist, hands or fingers, and back listed as the most commonly affected areas.

The chances of an error with ultrasound are up to 5 percent, says Schaffir. An ultrasound can be between 95 to 99 percent accurate in determining sex, depending on when it's done, how skilled the sonographer is and whether baby is in a position that shows the area between their legs. Mistakes can also be made.

Are There Male Sonographers? Part of being a sonographer might be affected by your gender. Males interested in becoming sonographers might not know that 85-90% of sonographers are women.

For example, you'll need to take and pass college algebra as well as anatomy and physiology. Because of the nature of these courses, solid math and science skills are critical for program success. Algebra is also used in the actual process of sonography.

Is there a lot of physics in ultrasound? ›

The crucial physics principles needed to understand and optimize clinical ultrasound include frequency, propagation speed, pulsed ultrasound, waves' interaction with tissue, angle of incidence, and attenuation. [3] Sound is mechanical energy that moves via alternating high and low-pressure waves through a medium.

What kind of math is needed to become an ultrasound technician? Sonographers and ultrasound technicians need to have a good grasp of high school level math (algebra, calculus and geometry) before entering a degree program.

The average annual salary for a sonographer is $80,680, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2021 salary survey. Those at the high end of the pay scale earned over $100,000, while those just beginning their career earned up to $59,640.

Several factors that may contribute to ultrasound technicians obtaining a higher salary may include education, certification, and location. Typically, the more specialized and higher level of education and training obtained by the technician, the higher the salary.

Key Differences Between Sonography & Radiology

As you can see, the biggest difference between radiology and sonography is the type of medical equipment you'll use. Plus, while an x-ray can diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, ultrasound focuses more on specific body parts and their health.

However, there's a difference between the two: An ultrasound is a tool used to take a picture. A sonogram is the picture that the ultrasound generates. Sonography is the use of an ultrasound tool for diagnostic purposes.

Sonographers can earn a solid income, especially when compared to other healthcare careers that are possible with an associate degree. As with all jobs, though, income varies across a spectrum. The top 10% of sonographers earn $101,650, in contrast to the bottom 10%, who earn $59,640, according to the BLS's 2021 data.

Q: What is a typical day in the life of a sonographer? A: A sonographer usually works an eight-hour shift and during that time completes 10-12 or more ultrasound scans along with required paperwork and documentation. This involves interaction with patients, physicians and other health care professionals.

What are the benefits of being a sonographer? ›

A career as an ultrasound technician is a well-respected career in the medical community and in society. You have the knowledge and skills that many people do not possess. Your career path has led you to a career that you will be viewed as a professional who is earning a fantastic living.

Sonographers may choose to increase their clinical skillset by working towards a different clinical career. Becoming an advanced provider (physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapist) is an option for sonographers interested in a second clinical career.

Long and varying work hours: Sonographers often work in hospitals and clinics that stay open long hours. You could work nights and/or weekends to best serve your patients. Difficult patients: Some patients will be struggling with difficult emotional situations. These patients may lash out or become angry.

Because of the nature of these courses, solid math and science skills are critical for program success. Algebra is also used in the actual process of sonography. For example, you'll need to use math to determine the circumference of the abdomen before beginning an ultrasound of the stomach.

Like any career worth diving into these days, sonography is challenging. That said, if you receive the proper ultrasound training at a great school that has your best interests in mind, it can also be extremely rewarding. For many students, choosing the best ultrasound program isn't easy.

Q: What is a typical day in the life of a sonographer? A: A sonographer usually works an eight-hour shift and during that time completes 10-12 or more ultrasound scans along with required paperwork and documentation. This involves interaction with patients, physicians and other health care professionals.

Stress and fatigue are other occupational hazards. Sonographers are on their feet most of the day, moving from patient to patient with few breaks in between. Staff shortages may result in heavier than normal workloads. Several difficult scans may be scheduled back-to-back at a physician's urgent request.

According to both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), there's no evidence that ultrasounds harm a developing fetus. The exams don't use radiation or x-rays.

Stress and burnout are significant problems for the sonographer as well as for other hospital workers. It is therefore essential that the ultrasound community real- ize that these problems exist.