Ultrasound Technician Salary in USA 2025
Sonographer pay, RDMS premium, and career path
National Average Annual Salary
How Much Do Ultrasound Technicians Earn in 2025?
Ultrasound technicians (also called diagnostic medical sonographers) are specialized imaging professionals who use ultrasound equipment to create images of internal organs, tissues, and blood flow for diagnostic purposes. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound uses sound waves—making it safe for prenatal imaging and repeated use.
2025 national data shows strong earning potential: average around $84,000–$89,340 per year, with median hourly rates of $32.88–$42.95/hour. This is one of the highest-paying allied health fields, competitive with many positions requiring advanced degrees.
Certification and specialization dramatically increase earnings. RDMS (general) sonographers earn $65,000–$75,000 starting, while RDCS (cardiac) and RVT (vascular) specialists can reach $85,000–$150,000+. Pediatric and fetal echo specialists often exceed $120,000 due to advanced skills and limited workforce. Entry-level positions start around $65,000, while experienced professionals in top states earn $105,000–$114,480+. Experienced cardiac sonographers consistently rank among jobs that pay $100K+. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
National Average Salary: Base Pay and Ranges
Multiple data sources provide a comprehensive picture of ultrasound technician compensation in 2025:
| Metric (USA 2025) | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| National average annual salary | $84,000–$89,340 |
| PayScale average hourly | $32.88/hour (~$68,390/year) |
| RDMS-certified average | $80,000/year |
| Entry-level (<1 year) | $65,000/year ($27.98/hour) |
| Early career (1–4 years) | ~$65,000/year ($31.24/hour) |
| Mid-career (5–9 years) | $84,000–$89,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $105,000+ |
For context, the average US salary is approximately $60,000–$65,000. Ultrasound technicians earn significantly above average, with specialized sonographers earning nearly double. To convert hourly to annual, use our hourly to salary calculator.
Salary by Certification and Specialty
Certification and specialization have the biggest impact on ultrasound technician earnings. The difference between general diagnostic sonography and cardiac specialization can be $50,000+ annually.
RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) — General Ultrasound
The foundational credential for general diagnostic sonography (abdominal, OB/GYN, breast, etc.):
Starting: $65,000–$75,000 annually
Mid-career: $80,000–$89,000
Experienced: $90,000–$98,000
Range: $53,000–$98,000 depending on experience and setting
RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer) — Cardiac/Echo
Cardiac sonographers (echocardiographers) earn substantially more due to specialized training and high demand:
Starting: $85,000+ annually
Mid-career: $100,000–$120,000
Experienced/Specialized: $120,000–$150,000+
Pediatric/Fetal Echo: Often exceed $120,000–$150,000 due to advanced skill and limited workforce
RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist) — Vascular Ultrasound
Vascular specialists assess blood flow and identify clots, blockages, and other vascular conditions:
Starting: $70,000–$80,000 annually
Mid-career: $85,000–$95,000
Experienced: $100,000+
Certification Salary Comparison
| Certification/Specialty | Starting | Mid-Career | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| RDMS (General Diagnostic) | $65K–$75K | $80K–$89K | $90K–$98K |
| RVT (Vascular) | $70K–$80K | $85K–$95K | $100K+ |
| RDCS (Cardiac/Echo) | $85K+ | $100K–$120K | $120K–$150K+ |
| Pediatric/Fetal Echo | $100K+ | $120K+ | $130K–$150K+ |
Why Cardiac Pays So Much More
Complexity: Cardiac imaging requires understanding of complex cardiac anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
Critical decisions: Echo findings directly influence treatment for heart disease, valve disorders, and heart failure.
Limited supply: Fewer sonographers pursue cardiac specialization due to additional training requirements.
High demand: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death—demand for cardiac imaging is constant.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience drives significant salary progression in ultrasound technology—with mid-career professionals seeing 15–25% increases from entry level.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | $65,000 | $27.98/hour |
| Early career (1–4 years) | ~$65,000 | $31.24/hour |
| Mid-career (5–10 years) | $84,000–$89,000 | $32.88–$42/hour |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $105,000+ | $40–$55/hour |
| Specialized Cardiac (10+ years) | $120,000–$150,000+ | $55–$72/hour |
Career Progression Impact
Mid-career professionals (5–10 years) see 15–25% salary increases reflecting: technical proficiency and ability to handle complex exams independently, specialized certification acquisition, supervisory or lead responsibilities, and reputation with referring physicians.
Ultrasound Technician Salary by State
Geographic location dramatically impacts ultrasound technician compensation—with nearly 2x difference between highest and lowest paying states.
Highest-Paying States
| State | Mean Annual | Median Annual | Hourly Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $114,480 | $107,270 | $55.04 |
| Hawaii | $105,850 | $108,630 | $50.89 |
| Washington | $103,700 | $104,810 | $49.85 |
| Oregon | $101,850 | $100,800 | $48.96 |
| Rhode Island | $96,400 | $100,800 | $46.34 |
| Massachusetts | $95,310 | $95,220 | $45.82 |
| Connecticut | $94,930 | $94,570 | $45.64 |
| Washington DC | $94,800 | $90,140 | $45.58 |
| Colorado | $92,610 | $90,020 | $44.52 |
| Wisconsin | $92,450 | $95,680 | $44.45 |
| Arizona | $89,980 | $91,320 | $43.26 |
| Maryland | $89,910 | $85,400 | $43.23 |
| Vermont | $89,840 | $86,170 | $43.19 |
| Minnesota | $89,610 | $87,750 | $43.08 |
| New York | $89,340 | $85,970 | $42.95 |
Lower-Paying States
| State | Mean Annual | Median Annual | Hourly Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $60,240 | $62,400 | $28.96 |
| Louisiana | $64,860 | $63,860 | $31.18 |
| South Dakota | $65,110 | $65,300 | $31.30 |
| Mississippi | $66,430 | $66,170 | $31.94 |
| West Virginia | $68,080 | $63,200 | $32.73 |
Key Observations
California sonographers ($114,480) earn nearly double those in Alabama ($60,240). However, cost of living differences partially offset this gap. Urban vs. rural matters significantly—metropolitan areas pay 20–30% more than rural facilities within the same state.
What Ultrasound Technicians Do: Role and Work Environment
Understanding the work helps contextualize compensation and career fit.
Core Responsibilities
Ultrasound technicians: perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations, operate specialized imaging equipment and transducers, prepare patients and explain procedures, capture high-quality diagnostic images, collaborate with physicians to analyze results, maintain and calibrate equipment, document findings in medical records, and follow strict safety and infection control protocols.
Specialization Areas
Obstetric/Prenatal: Fetal development, pregnancy monitoring
Abdominal: Liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas imaging
Cardiac/Echocardiography: Heart structure and function
Vascular: Blood flow in arteries and veins
Breast: Breast tissue evaluation, often following mammography
Musculoskeletal: Muscles, tendons, ligaments
Pediatric: Specialized imaging for infants and children
Work Settings
Ultrasound technicians work in: hospitals (general, specialty, cardiac), imaging and diagnostic centers, physician offices and clinics, outpatient care facilities, and mobile ultrasound services.
Work Characteristics
The role requires: strong technical and equipment operation skills, patient interaction and communication abilities, attention to detail for quality imaging, physical stamina (standing, positioning patients), and emotional sensitivity (delivering concerning findings to patients).
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Ultrasound technology offers excellent employment prospects with clear advancement paths.
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects diagnostic medical sonographers to experience strong employment growth—faster than average for all occupations. Demand drivers include: aging population requiring more diagnostic imaging, expanded use of ultrasound in medical decision-making, preference for non-invasive diagnostic procedures (no radiation), technological advances enabling new applications, and ultrasound replacing more expensive/invasive procedures.
Career Progression
Typical advancement path: Sonographer → Senior sonographer → Lead/Chief sonographer → Specialized sonographer (cardiac, vascular, OB) → Department supervisor/manager → Radiology/Imaging director
Alternative paths include: ultrasound education/instruction, applications specialist (equipment companies), healthcare administration, or advanced clinical roles with additional education.
Specialization for Advancement
Moving from general RDMS to RDCS (cardiac) or adding RVT (vascular) credentials significantly increases both earning potential and career options. Multi-specialty sonographers who can perform OB, abdominal, AND cardiac imaging are particularly valuable.
How to Increase Your Ultrasound Technician Salary
Several strategies can significantly boost ultrasound technician earnings.
Earn RDMS Certification
ARDMS certification (RDMS) is the baseline credential that increases credibility and opens more opportunities. Required by most employers and essential for career advancement.
Specialize in Cardiac (RDCS) or Vascular (RVT)
The biggest income lever. Cardiac sonographers earn $120,000–$150,000+ at experienced levels—compared to $90,000–$98,000 for general diagnostic sonographers. Pediatric and fetal echo specialization commands even higher premiums due to limited workforce.
Gain Experience
5–10 years of experience brings 15–25% salary increases. Technical proficiency, ability to handle complex cases, and reputation with physicians all contribute to compensation growth.
Relocate to High-Paying States
California ($114,480), Hawaii ($105,850), and Washington ($103,700) pay nearly double lower-paying states. If relocation is feasible, geographic arbitrage offers substantial income increases.
Work in Specialty Hospitals or High-Volume Centers
Specialty hospitals, cardiac centers, and high-volume imaging facilities generally pay more than small physician offices. Hospital settings also offer better benefits packages.
Pursue Multiple Modalities
Sonographers who can perform multiple specialties (OB + cardiac, or abdominal + vascular) command higher salaries due to scheduling flexibility and broader value to employers.
Consider Travel Ultrasound Positions
Travel sonographer positions pay premium rates (often $2,000–$3,000/week) plus housing stipends. Experienced sonographers can earn $100,000–$130,000+ through travel assignments.
Negotiate Effectively
Know your market value based on certification, specialty, and location. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average ultrasound technician salary in 2025?
The national average ultrasound technician salary is $84,000–$89,340 annually. Entry-level positions start around $65,000, mid-career sonographers earn $84,000–$89,000, and experienced professionals exceed $105,000. Cardiac sonographers (RDCS) can earn $120,000–$150,000+.
How much do cardiac sonographers (RDCS) make?
Cardiac sonographers (echocardiographers) earn significantly more than general diagnostic sonographers: starting $85,000+, mid-career $100,000–$120,000, experienced $120,000–$150,000+. Pediatric and fetal echo specialists often exceed $120,000–$150,000 due to advanced skills and limited workforce.
Which states pay ultrasound techs the most?
Highest-paying states: California ($114,480 mean), Hawaii ($105,850), Washington ($103,700), Oregon ($101,850), and Rhode Island ($96,400). California top earners exceed $120,000. These states pay nearly double the lowest-paying states like Alabama ($60,240).
What is entry-level sonographer salary?
Entry-level ultrasound technicians typically earn approximately $65,000 annually, or $27.98/hour. Entry pay varies by state (higher in California, Washington) and specialty (higher for cardiac programs). RDMS certification is typically required for entry-level positions.
Is ultrasound technology a good career in 2025?
Yes, ultrasound technology is one of the best allied health careers. The field offers: above-average salary ($84,000+ average), faster-than-average job growth, clear advancement paths (specialization, management), non-invasive work (no radiation exposure), direct patient care impact, and work-life balance options. Trade-offs include physical demands (standing, patient positioning), emotional aspects (delivering concerning findings), and the need for ongoing education as technology advances.