Ultrasound Technician Salary: How Much Do Medical Sonographers Make?

Did you know that ultrasound technicians do more than just monitor pregnancies? Sonographers, or ultrasound technicians, can help detect disease and support surgeons too. Ultrasound techs can expect to earn a decent wage, especially when compared to other healthcare workers with an associate’s degree. The healthcare industry doesn’t just need doctors and nurses. There is high demand for sonographers across the United States, making it a fantastic choice for those looking for job security and a competitive wage. With demand for sonographers growing, many professionals want to know: what is the average ultrasound tech salary in 2025?

Well, SnapCare is here to answer just that. If you’re a sonographer looking for salary information or if you’re thinking about a career as an ultrasound tech, you’re in the right place! This guide will provide you with a brief overview of what a sonographer is, what salary you can expect, and some information on how to find a position.

What Does an Ultrasound Tech Do? 

Ultrasound technicians, also called sonographers or diagnostic medical sonographers, work in a variety of healthcare settings. Sonographers are needed from hospitals to physicians’ offices and can expect to work across many patient demographics and specialties. Sonographers use ultrasounds, or high-frequency sound waves, to create images of internal organs and tissues to detect diseases, guide surgeons, and monitor pregnancies.

Sonographers should expect to have a variety of duties in a healthcare setting, such as: 

• Handling, reviewing, and adding to patient records 

• Patient education on ultrasound technology and process 

• Patient preparation 

• Operating ultrasound equipment 

• Reviewing sonograms and alerting physicians of abnormal results 

• Working with physicians, nurses, and other medical staff to coordinate care 

Sonographer positions range from part-time to full-time, making it an ideal career choice for those looking for job security who may want flexibility in their career. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with patients, coordinating with other departments and clinicians, and who wants a career in healthcare without a lengthy degree program.

How Much Do Ultrasound Technicians Make?

Ultrasound Technician Salaries are much higher than the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer is $89,340 per year and $42.95 per hour, putting it at 34% higher than the national average salary. 

Additionally, it’s expected that the field will grow 13% in the next ten years – which is much faster than average – meaning that sonographers can expect job security. Factors that Influence Ultrasound Tech Salaries 

The factors that influence ultrasound tech salaries are mainly the following: 

• Location: Urban states typically pay more than rural regions. 

• Specialty: Cardiac and vascular sonographers often earn more due to higher demand.  

• Care Setting: Salaries may differ between hospitals, imaging centers, and outpatient clinics. 

• Years of Experience: Entry-level sonographers earn less than those with 10+ years in the field. 

You can expect to make more money as an ultrasound tech in states like California, Hawaii, and Oregon. Additionally, different ultrasound specialties are paid at different rates. 

There are other ways to make more money as a sonographer, including pay negotiation, overtime, per-diem or contract employment, and earning shift differential pay by working nights or weekends. Additionally, some hospitals offer sign-on bonuses and overtime pay.

Ultrasound Tech Average Salary Levels by Years of Experience  

Source: Payscale.com. These figures are approximate and can vary based on specific assignments and location. 

As a diagnostic medical sonographer, you can expect your salary to steadily climb as you gain experience. From beginning to late career, you may see as much as a 40% increase in salary.

This chart only takes the average salary growth into account and does not reflect how differences in specialty or care setting might affect your salary. For instance, the next step in an ultrasound tech’s career path is to become a cardiac sonographer, which generally pays more. Care setting also may influence your salary, with sonographers working in outpatient care centers making around $123,610 per year, according to the BLS.

Total compensation

If you choose to work in a full-time capacity, your salary isn’t the only thing that factors into your total compensation. Full-time sonographers typically enjoy benefits like health insurance as well as vision and dental coverage as part of their total compensation package.

Part-time workers may not have access to benefits like health insurance. However, part-time positions allow for more flexibility with the opportunity to pick up shifts to make extra money. Some hospitals and care settings offer part-time, benefitted positions. 

How do Ultrasound Tech Salaries Compare to Other Jobs? 

Compared to many healthcare positions, ultrasound techs make a sizable yearly salary. 

Source: BLS. These figures are approximate and can vary based on specific assignments and location.

The average salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in the U.S. is marginally lower than the salary for a registered nurse, despite requiring a lower level of education. Compared to Licensed Practical Nurses, who only require a GED and vocational training, sonographers make 43% more on average.

If you are looking to maximize your time in the classroom, becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer is a great choice. You only need a 2-year degree and can make a salary like a Registered Nurse, which can require up to double the amount of time in school.

It’s important to note that the scope of care for each of the positions listed above is very different. While the salary range may be similar, you can expect very different responsibilities as an ultrasound tech compared to an RN or LPN.

Ultrasound Salaries per Region

Source: ZipRecruiter. These figures are approximate and can vary based on specific assignments and location.

Salaries for ultrasound techs vary widely by location. For instance, you can expect the highest on the west coast and outside of the contiguous United States. Factors that influence the higher rates of pay include things like higher cost-of-living and high demand.

Join Our Team of Ultrasound Technicians

Choosing a career as an Ultrasound Technician offers the stability of working in the healthcare field, while offering a faster route to employment compared to jobs that require a higher level of education.

If you’re ready, take the next step with SnapCare. We’re here to support you in your journey with extra benefits like same-day pay, flexible schedules, and 24/7 clinician support! Check out our job board to find a full-time ultrasound tech role or pick up a shift.