Diagnostic medical sonographers — commonly called ultrasound technicians or ultrasound techs — earned a median annual wage of approximately $80,850 as of the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, equaling roughly $38.87 per hour.
This occupation (SOC 29-2032) is projected to grow approximately 10 percent through 2032, faster than the national average of 3 percent, driven by the increasing clinical use of ultrasound imaging for diagnosis, monitoring, and minimally invasive procedures.
Ultrasound techs operate specialized imaging equipment to produce diagnostic images of internal organs, blood vessels, and developing fetuses for physician interpretation.
Key compensation factors include the imaging specialty (abdominal, cardiac, vascular, obstetric), employer setting, geographic market, and professional credentials such as those awarded by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The field offers a relatively high earning potential compared to other two-year allied health programs, making it an attractive healthcare career pathway.
For related imaging profession salary comparisons, see the sonographer salary and the radiology tech salary.
Ultrasound Tech Salary Overview (2026)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonographers (SOC 29-2032) earned a median annual wage of approximately $80,850 ($38.87/hr) based on the most recent OEWS survey data. The table below shows the full national wage distribution across percentile levels.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $57,000 | $27.40 |
| 25th | $67,000 | $32.21 |
| 50th (Median) | $80,850 | $38.87 |
| 75th | $97,000 | $46.63 |
| 90th | $114,000 | $54.81 |
These figures represent national estimates from the BLS OEWS program. Hospital-based sonographers and those in specialty imaging roles typically earn above the median, while those in outpatient clinics or lower-cost markets may earn closer to the 25th percentile.
To see exactly how wages like $38 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $38 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Ultrasound Tech Pay by Experience Level
Ultrasound tech wages typically rise with experience and the addition of specialty credentials.
Newly credentialed sonographers generally start at wages below the median, while those who develop expertise across multiple modalities and have several years of clinical experience tend to approach or exceed the 75th percentile.
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $57,000 – $68,000 |
| Mid-Career (3–8 years) | $68,000 – $92,000 |
| Experienced (9+ years) | $92,000 – $114,000+ |
Sonographers who obtain multiple ARDMS specialty credentials — such as Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), and Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) — may command above-average wages even at mid-career stages.
For comparison, entry-level wages in a related imaging field are outlined in the medical lab tech salary overview.
Ultrasound Tech Salary by State and Region
Geographic location is a major determinant of ultrasound tech wages. States with higher healthcare costs, larger hospital systems, and greater concentrations of specialty imaging centers tend to offer higher median wages, according to BLS data.
Top-Paying States
Based on BLS OEWS data, states that typically report the highest median wages for diagnostic medical sonographers include California, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, and Connecticut.
Median wages in these states may range from $95,000 to $115,000, reflecting both high costs of living and strong demand from large healthcare systems and academic medical centers.
Ultrasound techs considering California or Washington should weigh the cost of living in California and the cost of living in Washington State against those higher nominal salaries when assessing real take-home pay.
Regional Patterns
The West Coast and New England regions consistently report the highest ultrasound tech wages nationally.
The Midwest and South generally report wages closer to or slightly below the national median.
Travel sonographer positions — where techs accept short-term contract assignments at facilities with staffing shortages — often pay significantly above local market rates, with some travel positions offering $80–$120 per hour plus housing stipends.
Factors That Affect Ultrasound Tech Pay
Several variables beyond experience and geography may significantly affect individual ultrasound tech compensation.
Imaging Specialty
Cardiac sonographers (echocardiographers) and vascular technologists often earn wages at or above the 75th percentile compared to general abdominal or obstetric sonographers, due to the greater technical complexity and clinical demand for these specialties.
Physicians ordering complex cardiac or vascular studies typically require advanced credentialing that commands premium wages.
Employer and Setting
Hospital-based positions — especially at academic medical centers, cardiac surgery programs, and vascular surgery programs — typically pay the highest wages.
Outpatient imaging centers, urgent care facilities, and physician office practices tend to pay somewhat less.
Travel contract positions through healthcare staffing agencies can offer the highest immediate pay rates, though they come with reduced job stability and may lack benefits like paid time off or employer-matched retirement contributions.
Credentials and Certifications
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) administers the most widely recognized credentials, including RDMS, RDCS, and RVT.
Most hospital employers require at least one ARDMS credential.
Holding multiple credentials or specialty-area credentials (such as fetal echocardiography or musculoskeletal sonography) typically supports higher wages and greater career mobility.
On-Call and Shift Pay
Hospital sonographers are frequently required to be available for on-call emergency studies outside standard hours.
On-call activation pay, shift differentials for evenings and nights, and weekend premiums can add several thousand dollars to annual compensation.
Emergency or trauma center positions with high on-call demands typically offer the highest total compensation packages.
Ultrasound Tech Career Outlook
The BLS projects employment of diagnostic medical sonographers to grow approximately 10 percent through 2032, generating a substantial number of openings each year.
This faster-than-average growth is driven by the expanding clinical use of ultrasound for a wider range of applications — including point-of-care ultrasound in emergency medicine, musculoskeletal imaging, and guided procedures — as well as the continued preference for ultrasound over ionizing radiation modalities (CT and X-ray) for certain populations, including pregnant patients.
The aging U.S. population increases demand for cardiovascular and abdominal imaging, two of the most common ultrasound application areas.
Sonographers willing to develop expertise in vascular or cardiac imaging, or to accept travel contracts in underserved markets, are likely to find robust employment opportunities through the early 2030s.
Ultrasound techs should apply salary negotiation strategies when transitioning between staff and travel roles, and build retirement savings through a Roth IRA or employer-sponsored plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average ultrasound tech salary in 2026?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonographers (SOC 29-2032) earned a median annual wage of approximately $80,850 — about $38.87 per hour — based on the most recent OEWS data.
Wages vary by specialty, location, credentials, and employer type.
For a broader view of diagnostic imaging pay, see the radiologist salary and the X-ray tech salary for comparison.
How long does it take to become an ultrasound tech?
Most ultrasound technician programs are 2 years long, leading to an associate degree from an accredited institution (typically CAAHEP-accredited). Some programs offer bachelor's degrees in 4 years. After completing an accredited program, graduates are eligible to take the ARDMS credentialing exams.
Some individuals also enter through a related healthcare background (such as nursing or radiologic technology) and complete a shorter sonography certificate program.
Which ultrasound specialty pays the most?
Cardiac sonographers (echocardiographers) and vascular technologists tend to earn among the highest wages within the diagnostic sonography field, often approaching or exceeding the 75th percentile of the overall SOC 29-2032 wage distribution.
The technical complexity and demand for these specialties supports premium compensation compared to general abdominal or obstetric sonography.
The cardiac sonographer salary page provides a detailed breakdown specific to echocardiography.
Do travel ultrasound techs earn more than staff positions?
Travel sonographers typically earn higher hourly rates than permanent staff positions — often $80 to $120 per hour plus tax-free housing and meal stipends — but these positions involve working in temporary locations, often in areas with staffing shortages, and generally do not include employer-paid benefits like paid time off or matching retirement contributions.
Whether travel pay results in higher net income depends on individual tax situations and total compensation comparison.
Travel sonographers should build supplemental retirement savings through a high-yield savings account and review retirement savings benchmarks to offset the absence of employer-matched contributions.
Is ultrasound tech a growing career field?
Yes.
The BLS projects approximately 10 percent employment growth for diagnostic medical sonographers through 2032, which is faster than the national average.
Expanded clinical applications for ultrasound imaging, an aging population requiring more cardiovascular and abdominal imaging, and the safety profile of non-ionizing ultrasound technology are all driving sustained demand.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SOC 29-2032) — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292032.htm
- U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Information Network (O*NET): Diagnostic Medical Sonographers — https://www.dol.gov/
Last updated: April 27, 2026