That’s a good question; especially if you’re entertaining the idea of becoming one. Like any other profession, there are certain factors that come into play when trying to determine what the average salary for an ultrasound technician is. There are a few different factors that will determine how much you can make as an ultrasound technician; your level of schooling is one of them.

Schooling

If you’re a graduate of an accredited ultrasound program then you automatically qualify to seek certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). As a rule, a certified ultrasound technician will make more money than a non-certified ultrasound technician. Although, certification is not a requirement in order to become an ultrasound technician, many employers require that you are certified in order to be hired by them. This may be due to the fact that some healthcare insurance companies will only pay for an ultrasound if it is performed by a certified technician.

Demographics

Just as with education, cost of living, and other like things, where you live will play a big role in the opportunities that are available to you. Though not always the case, the salary of an ultrasound technician is usually higher in more densely populated areas of the country.

Experience

The more time you’ve spent performing ultrasounds the better the chance of a higher-than-average salary. Many employers are willing to pay more for an ultrasound technician that’s got some hands-on experience under their belt.

Relocation

If you are switching from one job to another as an ultrasound technician, your new employer may not start you out at your current salary. This is because they want to be sure that you have the experience you claim you do. Usually, in a case such as this, an employer will agree to an early increase in your salary after a probationary period in which you have the opportunity to show the extent of your skills.

Although all of these factors will impact what the average salary for an ultrasound technician is, according to the professional employment company, RadScience Group, it is said to currently be $29.80 on average. This figure is based on a technician who is certified. A 2008 poll by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) estimated that the average annual salary of all ultrasound technicians was in the ballpark of $67,000.00 with the certified technicians being at the higher end of the scale.

An early study by SDMS in conjunction with another survey outfit determined that in 2002 a certified ultrasound technician made an average of$24.00 per hour, and a non-certified ultrasound technician came in at $20.00 per hour. It’s obvious from these studies that the average hourly salary is increasing all the time.

Just as with any other position in the medical field, and many other fields for that matter, the above considerations will factor in when determining what the average salary for an ultrasound technician is. In any field of work, it’s always better to be well trained, and or school, in order to have the potential to make a salary that is at the higher end of the scales.

Trudi Buck blogs about how to apply to Ultrasound Tech Schools.