The ultrasound technician salary is one of the highest salaries in the medical industry. It is also one of the highest medical professions in demand today with steady and stable growth through 2018. This article will discuss the average salary of an ultrasound technician, where the best salaries are offered and what kind of education and certifications are needed to enter this lucrative field.
What is an ultrasound technician?
Ultrasound, or sonography, is a medical procedure that uses ionizing, radiation, radio waves or sound waves to view the inside of the body for assessment of medical conditions. The most commonly known ultrasound procedure is used to examine a fetus during pregnancy. There are other uses for this technology in diagnosing and treating medical conditions in all parts of the body.
A technician using ultrasound uses special equipment to direct sound waves to the parts of the body that may be affected by a medical condition. The technician is skilled in reading the images as they are being videotaped and photographed for the attending physician. The technician is thoroughly trained in the location and functions of all parts of the human body as well as in the operation of ultrasound equipment.
The technician evaluates preliminary findings and reports those findings to the physician. He or she also works directly with patients by informing them of the procedure to eliminate anxiety. He or she also keeps patients’ records, manages work schedules, and make purchases if s/he is head of the department.
An ultrasound technician may specialize in one or more medical disciplines such as obstetrics and gynecologic ultrasound, abdominal, neurological, breast and vascular ultrasound. Technicians who specialize in one or more areas command the most compensation.
Average Salaries Nationwide
The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011, places the median salary for medical ultrasound technicians at $61,980 as of May 2008. The middle range of 50 percent earned between $52,570 and $73,680 per year. Those technicians working in physicians offices earned an average of $62,340 and those working in medical and surgical hospitals earned an average wage of $61,870.
Three factors that determine the salaries of ultrasound professionals are education and certification, geographical area and years of experience.
Education and Certification
There are two choices in education for an ultrasound technician: a 2-year associate degree and a 4-year bachelor degree. The associate degree qualifies a person for an entry-level position. Colleges, universities, and certified technical colleges offer the associate’s degree. Some hospitals are also certified to offer the associate degree. A student may also choose to receive a degree while serving in the military.
A 4-year degree in sonography qualifies a graduate for more responsibilities and a higher beginning salary. Many associate degree recipients earn a bachelor degree after starting to work as an ultrasound technician. A bachelor degree offers the opportunity for advancement to management positions. Colleges and universities offer a bachelors degree.
Employers are especially interested in ultrasound technicians who have passed the exam for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Ultrasound technicians are eligible to obtain this certification after they have completed their education and several years of work experience.
Geographical Area
The ultrasound technician salary depends on where s/he works. Medical facilities in Colorado may begin a technician at $64,290 while a technician in Alabama may start at $49,000. Urban areas pay more than rural areas. An ultrasound technician who is flexible in where they live can expect to earn a higher salary.
Hospitals are the biggest employers of ultrasound technicians followed by physician offices and other medical facilities.
Years of Experience
Of course, technicians with more experience receive higher salaries. An entry-level professional can expect to a starting salary of $45,000 depending on education and geographical location. After 2 years on the job s/he can expect a 5 to 10 percent pay raise.
The salary can expect be expected to gradually rise to a maximum of more than $80,000 after 20 years on the job. Studies have shown that an income of $65,000 or more is earned by technicians 50 years of age or older or 55 percent of the total number of ultrasound technicians. Nearly 23 percent at the highest salary range are 31-49 years old. Exceptional technicians less than 30 years old who are focused on more income and responsibilities (22 percent of technicians) reach this upper salary range.
When adding together the factors of education, certification, geographical location and years of experience the ultrasound technician salary is certainly worth the time and effort one must invest to become a professional in this medical field. It is important that those seeking a career as an ultrasound technician also enjoy working with patients and fellow staff members in a medical team setting.
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