Average Salary of an Entry-Level Sonographer
The medical field includes a variety of technician jobs, including diagnostic sonographers. A sonographer operates machinery that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body, allowing physicians to evaluate the condition of internal organs or fetuses in the uterus.
Other People Are Reading
-
Sonography and Technology
-
The demand for sonographers is rising. The procedure is considered safer than other methods of imaging, such as X-rays, which emit radiation. In addition, the field is expanding as hospitals and clinics adopt new technologies and equipment. As in other fields, sonographers who are trained in using the latest technology can command higher salaries.
Career Prospects
-
According to the Mayo Clinic's "Sonography Career Overview," sonography jobs numbered about 49,000 in 2008. Hospitals provide most of these positions, while outpatient clinics, diagnostic imaging centers and doctor's offices also have created a growing number of job opportunities. Obstetrics -- the field of maternity and infant care -- offers the largest number of sonography positions, but as the population ages, the demand for sonography in the treatment of illness will also grow.
-
Starting and Median Salaries
-
The starting salary of a sonographer, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technicians, is about $20 to $22 per hour. As you gain experience, and move into a specialty such as ophthalmology or pediatric echocardiography, your salary will rise. The current median salary of a diagnostic sonographer, according to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, is approximately $67,000.
Training and Certification
-
Sonographers do not require licensing, but some state medical boards, as well as training schools, do offer certification, which assures prospective employers that your training and background are acceptable for any position they offer. Universities, community colleges, vocational schools and private medical training institutes offer courses in sonography -- which average two years in length -- to prepare you for certification and a professional career.
-
References
- Photo Credit doctor desk image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
