After you complete your degree as an ultrasound technician, you can look forward to one of the greatest parts of your new career: the salary and benefits!  Most ultrasound techs are paid a salary that exceeds the average family income in most states. Also, at a time when many people are struggling to find and keep a stable job…not to mention buy health insurance and have decent benefits, ultrasound technicians are lucky in that regard. Since most of them work for hospitals or large medical practices, they often get to enjoy the benefits of a great group health insurance plan along with perks like vacations, sick days, flexible work days, and life insurance.

However, not all technicians work in hospitals. Some of them work in private diagnostic labs or in physicians’ offices. Where they work will impact their salary and also their benefits. However, before starting their career, ultrasound technicians most often complete a degree that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). They also often choose to become certified through the Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). We should note though, that they are not required to become certified.  However, a professional certification can be advantageous for their career both short and long term.

Usually the pay scale is based on an hourly wage, and most professionals in this industry work an average of thirty-five to forty hours per week. For this effort, they can expect to earn anywhere from $40,000 to $85,000 per year. Their salary depends upon the cost of living where they live, their employer, their level of experience, and what field they specialize in. Ultrasound technicians may specialize in a few different fields, and prior to selecting one, you should investigate how it will impact your salary over the course of your career.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median ultrasound tech salary in 2008 was $61,980. The bottom ten percent of wage earners in this field made less than $43,000 per year, but the top ten percent made over $84,000. The vast majority of people working as diagnostic medical sonographers earn between $52,570 and $73,680 a year. When you compute the value of benefits like paid sick leave, holidays, and health insurance, these jobs become even more valuable.

In addition to paying well, this industry also offers a great deal of job security. During the decade stretching from the year 2008 to the year 2018, this industry is expected to add approximately 20,000 new jobs. This is an increase of close to twenty percent. Due to the great  stability and outlook for technicians in the future, this is a great field in which to pursue a degree.