Medical Ultrasound Tech Salary
X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging are two popular medical procedures for peering inside your body. However, both post some risk to the technician due to their use of radiation or an electromagnetic field. Another method is ultrasound, which uses sound waves and is deemed safe enough for examining fetuses in the womb. Performing an ultrasound requires the technician to have special expertise.
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Description
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A medical ultrasound technician, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, controls special equipment, such as a transducer, to direct high-frequency sound waves into parts of a patient's body. The resulting images can then be interpreted and examined by a physician to determine whether there are problems. Technicians can specialize in imaging the abdomen, nervous system, female reproductive system or breast.
Salary by Experience
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Salaries vary by experience. According to PayScale, as of March 2010, those with less than one year of experience average $38,625 to $50,662 a year. Those with one to four years make $39,498 to $56,289. Those with five to nine years earn $45,103 to $70,416. Finally, those with 10 to 19 years are paid $54,835 to $71,313.
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Employer
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Pay also depends on the employer. Those who work for themselves show the highest range, from $29,800 to $74,000, according to PayScale. Those who work in a hospital earn $40,370 to $60,229. Those who work for the federal government are paid $44,353 to $62,505. Finally, those who work for a private practice are paid $47,443 to $72,164.
Certification
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Though no states require ultrasound certification, many sonographers undergo voluntary certification, with some specialties earning more than others. According to PayScale, a registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer (RCDS) earns $48,834 to $90,402. A registered vascular technologist (RVT) makes $53,466 to $78,339. Finally, a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) is paid $46,915 to $70,017.
City
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Location of the workplace can also affect salary. Those in Seattle average $50,000 to $90,307. Those in New York earn $44,879 to $64,450. Those in Atlanta make $39,548 to $57,500. Those in Orlando get $41,271 to $84,287.
Others
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Gender influences salary, though only by about 5 percent. Men average $44,306 to $70,281. Women make $45,037 to $67,579. A degree has a greater influence. Those with a bachelor's of science are paid $39,042 to $100,000, while those with an associate's degree only receive $38,771 to $58,958.
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