Ultrasound Tech Salary Guide

The average ultrasound technician salary is $81,350 per year as of May 2022's data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,430, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $107,730. Payscale.com, however, reports an annual average salary of $67,298 or $31.46 per hour. 

Via ZipRecruiter

Ultrasound technicians have the ability to earn a higher hourly wage with increased experience. According to Payscale.com, ultrasound technicians earn the following, 

• Less than 1 year of experience earn an average hourly salary of $20.61
• 1-4 years of experience earn an average hourly salary of $22.41
• 5-9 years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $24.05
• 10-19 years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $29.45
• 20+ years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $28.28

Ultrasound technicians can work in a variety of settings, essentially any location where a patient might need an ultrasound. But the largest employer of ultrasound technicians is hospitals. According to the BLS, ultrasound technicians earn the following salaries in these most common locations:

• Outpatient care centers: $107,970
• Offices of physicians: $82,110
• Hospitals; state, local and private: $81,420
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $79,070

If you’re interested in increasing your earning potential as an ultrasound technician, you have several great options to do so: 

1. Negotiation

This might be uncomfortable for some ultrasound technicians but is one of the most effective methods of getting an increase in pay. 

Ultrasound technicians with more experience and increased levels of training will find an easier time negotiating for a higher salary. 

The key to an effective negotiation is to do your research. Make sure you know what other facilities in your area are paying for people who have your qualifications. 

2. Earn Overtime

Ultrasound technicians who work overtime are entitled to increased pay for their additional work hours. Generally, this is considered time and a half pay.  In most cases, this means working over 40 hours a week. 

The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that all "non-exempt" employees must receive overtime pay equal to one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for every hour over 40 hours worked during a work week. 

3. Consider Per diem or Contract Employment

Per diem and contract employees earn a higher wage than staff members. They are paid a premium for working less desirable shifts as well as having shifts canceled at any given time. 

4. Earn Shift Differential Pay 

Ultrasound technicians may have an opportunity to earn more income without increasing the number of hours they work through a shift differential. A shift differential means making increased per-hour pay for working nights, weekends, or holidays.

5. Earn Hazard Pay

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, hazard pay means “additional pay for performing a hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship.” It may also include work duty that causes “extreme physical discomfort and distress.” 

Ultrasound technicians are required to have,  at minimum, an associate degree in radiology and/or sonography. This can be earned at a local community college and can easily cost less than $5,000. 

Considering ultrasound techs earn, on average, $81,350 per year, the career is well worth the cost of the education. 

Radiology Technician - $67,180 per year

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $67,180 in May 2022. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $47,760, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,940. 

Cardiovascular Technician - $63,020 per year

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $63,020 in May 2022. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,000. 

MRI Technician - $80,090 per year

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for MRI technologists was $80,090 in May 2022. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,530, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,850. 

Respiratory Therapist (RT) - $70,540 per year

The mean respiratory therapist salary is $70,540 per year or $29.73 per hour (BLS). The lowest 10% of RTs earn below $51,970, while the highest 10 percent make $100,520 or more.

Ultrasound Technician Salary FAQs

• What is the highest-paid ultrasound tech?

  • According to the BLS, ultrasound technologists that work in outpatient care centers are the highest paid, earning an average annual salary of $107,970. 

• Is being an ultrasound tech difficult?

  • Being an ultrasound technician can be difficult, especially when performing tests on patients who are critically ill or have significant medical conditions. All professions in the healthcare field are extremely stressful and demanding. 

• Is sonography harder than nursing?

  • Ultrasound technicians and Registered Nurses have VERY different scopes of practice. Each profession is difficult in its own way. 

• Is an ultrasound tech a good career?

  • Ultrasound technicians are in high demand. According to the BLS, overall employment for ultrasound technicians is expected to grow by 10%, faster than the average for all occupations.