How much ultrasound tech make

Some programs are even able to offer dual concentrations to their students, which can make you a more marketable job candidate. Healthcare professionals will be compensated differently depending on the location they work in.

Sonographers may be required to work a variety of shifts at numerous times throughout the day. These shifts include:. A healthcare professional will be compensated depending on the shift they work, especially when they work outside of the traditional Monday through Friday — schedule. In addition, once an on-call worker is called in to work, they may be compensated at their base wage and receive some type of additional incentive for being utilized during off hours e.

Along with education and amount of experience within the field, location can be an important factor in determining how much money a sonographer will earn. Income typically corresponds to the cost of living in a specific area.

Below you can see how the salary for an ultrasound tech compares to similar professions. The table reveals that in comparison to related jobs, ultrasound technicians are paid a higher income on average. The most recent information provided is from the May, BLS update. Resources: U.

Ultrasound Technician Salary. How much do sonographers make? As the population continues to age, techniques for diagnosing heart disease or other ailments become necessary. Vascular sonography, and sonography in general, is a necessary tool for these diagnoses. The growth rate for ultrasound techs is above the average of all occupations, indicating positive job stability.

Sonographers are trained in the proper use of equipment and treatment of patients. They are required to receive an education, complete clinical work and pass a certifying exam. Entry-level positions for ultrasound technicians typically require at least an associate's degree. Diagnostic medical sonographers usually possess an associate's or bachelor's degree from a certified institution.

For experienced medical professionals looking to change careers or gain extra skills, there are one-year certificate programs available. Students take courses in physical and biological science, patient care, medical imaging and more. Clinical hours are a requirement of most sonography programs. A student is typically required to complete hours of training or the equivalent of holding a full-time job for six months.

They are an essential part of education that allows students to gain experience and use the skills learned in the classroom. Clinicals come in the form of internships and externships with clinical affiliates. Clinical affiliates are facilities that have agreed to help students get real-life experience for their area of study. The specific locations are chosen by staff, but students are allowed to suggest a preferred office if it is registered as an affiliate.

Students typically complete clinical training in a variety of areas, including vascular, pediatric, musculoskeletal sonography and more. Ultrasound technicians are not required to be certified but many employers prefer and even require it. Candidates for certification must meet the minimum education and clinical training requirements before taking the exam. Gaining a specialty or certification increases your skillset and earning potential.

Certifications last anywhere from one to 10 years with continuing education and fee requirements. The specific amount of time the certification lasts depends on the certifying body. Here is a list of specialization areas for ultrasound techs:. In addition to technical expertise, successful sonographers utilize key skills to get along well with patients and lead with confidence. Here are some essential skills to develop as an ultrasound tech:.

Technicians must be able to listen to what patients and other healthcare professionals are trying to communicate and apply their knowledge accordingly. And there is good news in terms of jobs and employment prospects also. If you feel that a career as an Ultrasound Technician or Diagnostic Medical Sonographer could be the ideal career in health care for you then click below to view schools in your State. The table below illustrates the States in which Ultrasound Techs earn the most — taking into consideration cost of living adjustments for each State.

The diagram compares salary levels for Ultrasound Techs with salaries for similar careers in the healthcare industry.