If you are interested in pediatric cardiac sonography, one of the biggest questions is how much a pediatric cardiac sonographer makes in 2027.
Pediatric cardiac sonographers specialize in echocardiography for infants, children, and adolescents. They use ultrasound technology to create detailed images of the heart, including the chambers, valves, vessels, and blood flow. Their work is particularly important when evaluating congenital heart conditions and other pediatric cardiovascular problems.
Pediatric cardiac sonography is a highly specialized area of medical imaging, and compensation can vary considerably depending on experience, location, credentials, employer, specialty skills, and work schedule.
For 2027 career planning, a practical salary range is approximately $70,000 to $125,000+ per year, with experienced professionals in major children’s hospitals, specialized cardiac centers, or high-paying markets potentially earning more.
There is no separate U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary category specifically for pediatric cardiac sonographers. The BLS groups related professionals within the broader diagnostic medical sonographer occupation. Its latest available data show a median annual wage of $89,340 in May 2024, while the highest 10% earned more than $123,170. The BLS also specifically identifies cardiac sonography and pediatric sonography as areas of specialization.
Current salary platforms show why estimates can differ substantially. ZipRecruiter reported an average of about $89,646 per year for pediatric cardiac sonographers in August 2026, while Glassdoor reported a median total pay of approximately $124,000. These differences reflect variations in data sources, job titles, locations, and compensation methodology.
This guide explains pediatric cardiac sonographer salary in 2027, including annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly pay, experience levels, work settings, salary factors, benefits, and career opportunities.
Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Salary at a Glance
The following table provides a practical estimate for 2027 salary planning.
| Career Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Estimated Monthly Pay | Approx. Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $70,000–$80,000 | $5,833–$6,667 | $34–$38 |
| Early Career | $78,000–$90,000 | $6,500–$7,500 | $38–$43 |
| Mid-Career | $88,000–$105,000 | $7,333–$8,750 | $42–$50 |
| Experienced | $100,000–$120,000 | $8,333–$10,000 | $48–$58 |
| Senior/Specialized | $115,000–$135,000+ | $9,583–$11,250+ | $55–$65+ |
These are 2027 planning estimates, not official 2027 government wage figures.
For context, the BLS reported a $89,340 median wage for the broader diagnostic medical sonographer occupation in May 2024.
What Is a Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer?
A pediatric cardiac sonographer is a specialized ultrasound professional who performs echocardiographic examinations on children.
While a general sonographer may examine many different parts of the body, a pediatric cardiac sonographer concentrates on the cardiovascular system.
What Does a Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Do?
Typical responsibilities include:
- Performing pediatric echocardiograms
- Imaging the heart of infants and children
- Evaluating heart chambers and valves
- Obtaining images of cardiac blood flow
- Performing Doppler studies
- Measuring cardiac structures
- Recording technical findings
- Reviewing images for quality
- Preparing children and families for examinations
- Operating and maintaining ultrasound equipment
- Working closely with pediatric cardiologists
- Helping children remain comfortable during examinations
Pediatric cardiac sonographers may work with newborns, infants, toddlers, school-age children, teenagers, and patients with complex congenital heart conditions.
The BLS describes cardiac sonographers as professionals who specialize in imaging the heart and pediatric sonographers as professionals who specialize in imaging infants and children. Pediatric cardiac sonography combines these specialized areas.
How Much Does a Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Make a Year?
A pediatric cardiac sonographer may earn approximately $70,000 to $125,000+ per year depending on experience, location, employer, and specialization.
Current salary data demonstrate a wide range. ZipRecruiter reported an average annual pay of approximately $89,646 in August 2026, with most reported salaries between $65,000 and $103,000 and the top 10% reaching about $139,000.
Glassdoor’s August 2026 data showed a median total pay of approximately $124,000, with a reported total-pay range of $95,000 to $164,000.
The difference between these estimates is important. Salary websites use different datasets and may include different types of compensation. Therefore, it is better to consider a range instead of relying on one salary figure.
Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Annual Salary Examples
| Annual Salary | Monthly Gross | Biweekly Gross | Weekly Gross | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $70,000 | $5,833 | $2,692 | $1,346 | $33.65 |
| $75,000 | $6,250 | $2,885 | $1,442 | $36.06 |
| $80,000 | $6,667 | $3,077 | $1,538 | $38.46 |
| $85,000 | $7,083 | $3,269 | $1,635 | $40.87 |
| $90,000 | $7,500 | $3,462 | $1,731 | $43.27 |
| $95,000 | $7,917 | $3,654 | $1,827 | $45.67 |
| $100,000 | $8,333 | $3,846 | $1,923 | $48.08 |
| $105,000 | $8,750 | $4,038 | $2,019 | $50.48 |
| $110,000 | $9,167 | $4,231 | $2,115 | $52.88 |
| $115,000 | $9,583 | $4,423 | $2,212 | $55.29 |
| $120,000 | $10,000 | $4,615 | $2,308 | $57.69 |
| $125,000 | $10,417 | $4,808 | $2,404 | $60.10 |
| $130,000 | $10,833 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $62.50 |
| $135,000 | $11,250 | $5,192 | $2,596 | $64.90 |
The hourly equivalents assume a standard 40-hour workweek and 2,080 working hours per year.
Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Hourly Salary
Hourly pay is useful when comparing full-time jobs, part-time positions, contract assignments, and travel opportunities.
Current data from ZipRecruiter placed the average pediatric cardiac sonographer pay at approximately $43.10 per hour in August 2026. Its reported 25th to 75th percentile range was approximately $31.25 to $49.52 per hour.
For 2027 planning, experienced professionals may earn significantly more than entry-level workers.
Estimated 2027 Hourly Pay
| Experience Level | Estimated Hourly Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $34–$38 |
| Early Career | $38–$43 |
| Mid-Career | $42–$50 |
| Experienced | $48–$58 |
| Senior/Specialized | $55–$65+ |
Actual hourly compensation can be higher when overtime, weekend premiums, holiday pay, call pay, or shift differentials are included.
Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Monthly Salary
Monthly salary depends on annual compensation.
For example, someone earning $100,000 annually has a gross monthly salary of approximately $8,333.
Monthly Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Pay
| Annual Salary | Monthly Gross Pay | Weekly Gross Pay |
|---|---|---|
| $70,000 | $5,833 | $1,346 |
| $75,000 | $6,250 | $1,442 |
| $80,000 | $6,667 | $1,538 |
| $85,000 | $7,083 | $1,635 |
| $90,000 | $7,500 | $1,731 |
| $95,000 | $7,917 | $1,827 |
| $100,000 | $8,333 | $1,923 |
| $105,000 | $8,750 | $2,019 |
| $110,000 | $9,167 | $2,115 |
| $115,000 | $9,583 | $2,212 |
| $120,000 | $10,000 | $2,308 |
| $125,000 | $10,417 | $2,404 |
| $130,000 | $10,833 | $2,500 |
These are gross amounts before taxes and other payroll deductions.
Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Salary by Experience
Experience can have a major effect on earning potential.
Entry-Level Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Salary
New graduates may begin around $70,000 to $80,000 per year, although starting pay varies substantially by employer and location.
A new professional may initially work under supervision while developing experience with pediatric echocardiography.
Important factors when evaluating a first job include:
- Clinical training
- Mentorship
- Certification support
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Overtime opportunities
- Continuing education
- Advancement opportunities
A position with strong pediatric cardiac training can be extremely valuable for long-term career development.
Mid-Career Salary
Professionals with several years of experience may earn approximately $88,000 to $105,000 annually.
At this point, sonographers may become more comfortable with complex pediatric examinations and may have opportunities to work with specialized cardiac teams.
Experienced Salary
Experienced pediatric cardiac sonographers may earn approximately $100,000 to $120,000 or more.
Advanced clinical skills, strong credentials, specialized experience, and employment in high-paying areas can contribute to higher compensation.
Senior Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Salary
Senior professionals and highly specialized sonographers may potentially earn $115,000 to $135,000+.
Leadership responsibilities and advanced clinical expertise can further increase earning potential.
Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Salary by Work Setting
Where you work can make a significant difference in total compensation.
The BLS reports that diagnostic medical sonographers overall had a median wage of $123,610 in outpatient care centers, compared with $90,070 in hospitals and $89,450 in physicians’ offices in May 2024. These figures cover the broader sonographer occupation and should not be interpreted as pediatric cardiac-specific wages.
Children’s Hospitals
Children’s hospitals are among the most important employers for pediatric cardiac sonographers.
These facilities may provide exposure to:
- Congenital heart disease
- Neonatal cardiac conditions
- Pediatric cardiology
- Complex echocardiography
- Intensive care patients
- Surgical patients
- Advanced cardiac imaging
Because of the complexity of cases, specialized children’s hospitals may provide strong career opportunities.
Pediatric Cardiology Centers
Pediatric cardiology practices and specialty centers may employ sonographers specifically for cardiac imaging.
These positions can be highly focused on echocardiography rather than general ultrasound.
General Hospitals
Large hospitals may employ pediatric cardiac sonographers as part of their cardiology or imaging departments.
The patient population and level of pediatric specialization can vary considerably between hospitals.
Academic Medical Centers
Teaching hospitals and academic medical centers can provide opportunities to work with complex cases while participating in education, research, and clinical training.
What Factors Affect Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Salary?
Several factors influence how much a pediatric cardiac sonographer can earn.
Experience
More experience can lead to higher-level positions and stronger negotiating power.
Location
Salary can vary considerably between states and metropolitan areas.
High-cost metropolitan areas often offer higher nominal salaries, although housing and other expenses can also be higher.
Specialized Skills
Experience with complex congenital heart disease, neonatal echocardiography, advanced Doppler techniques, and other specialized examinations may improve career opportunities.
Credentials
Relevant professional credentials can make candidates more competitive for specialized positions.
Employer
A major children’s hospital may offer a different compensation package from a small pediatric cardiology practice.
Schedule
Evening, overnight, weekend, holiday, and on-call work may provide additional compensation.
Leadership
Lead sonographers and supervisors may earn more because they combine clinical responsibilities with administrative or educational duties.
Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Salary by Location
There is no official BLS wage category exclusively for pediatric cardiac sonographers, so state-specific figures should be treated carefully.
The broader diagnostic medical sonography occupation shows substantial geographic variation, while current pediatric cardiac sonographer salary platforms also report large differences between metropolitan areas. For 2027 planning, higher-paying markets may include major healthcare centers in states such as California, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington, and Texas.
Estimated 2027 Salary by Market
| Market Type | Estimated 2027 Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Lower-Paying Market | $70,000–$85,000 |
| Average Market | $80,000–$100,000 |
| Competitive Metro Area | $95,000–$115,000 |
| Major Pediatric Medical Center | $105,000–$130,000 |
| Highly Specialized/Leadership | $120,000–$140,000+ |
These ranges are estimates for planning rather than official 2027 government statistics.
Discover More:
Can a Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Make $100,000?
Yes. A $100,000 annual salary is achievable for some pediatric cardiac sonographers.
At $100,000 per year, the gross compensation works out to:
| Pay Period | Gross Pay |
|---|---|
| Annual | $100,000 |
| Monthly | $8,333 |
| Biweekly | $3,846 |
| Weekly | $1,923 |
| Hourly | $48.08 |
Reaching this level may become more realistic with several years of experience, specialized skills, strong credentials, and employment in a competitive market.
Can a Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Make $120,000?
Yes. Experienced pediatric cardiac sonographers can potentially earn $120,000 or more.
Current market data support the possibility of six-figure compensation. Glassdoor’s 2026 data showed a median total pay estimate of approximately $124,000 for pediatric cardiac sonographers, although its figures should not be treated as an official national wage statistic.
At $120,000 per year:
| Pay Period | Gross Pay |
|---|---|
| Annual | $120,000 |
| Monthly | $10,000 |
| Biweekly | $4,615 |
| Weekly | $2,308 |
| Hourly | $57.69 |
Professionals earning this level may have advanced experience, specialized clinical skills, leadership responsibilities, or employment in high-paying markets.
How to Increase Your Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Salary
There are several ways to improve long-term earning potential.
Build Pediatric Cardiac Experience
Developing strong experience with pediatric echocardiography can make you more competitive for specialty positions.
Develop Advanced Clinical Skills
Focus on complex examinations and advanced cardiac imaging techniques.
Maintain Professional Credentials
Relevant credentials can strengthen your qualifications and help you compete for specialized positions.
Consider Major Children’s Hospitals
Large pediatric medical centers may provide more opportunities for advanced cases, specialization, leadership, and professional growth.
Consider Leadership
Experienced professionals can move into positions such as:
- Lead pediatric cardiac sonographer
- Senior cardiac sonographer
- Echocardiography supervisor
- Clinical coordinator
- Clinical educator
- Imaging manager
Consider Contract or Travel Opportunities
Some contract positions may offer higher hourly compensation. However, compensation should be compared with benefits, housing, travel costs, and job stability.
Compare Total Compensation
Do not evaluate an offer using base salary alone.
Compare:
- Base pay
- Overtime
- Call pay
- Bonuses
- Shift differentials
- Retirement contributions
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation
- Education benefits
Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Benefits
A strong benefits package can add significant value to a job.
Potential benefits include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plans
- Employer retirement contributions
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Life insurance
- Disability coverage
- Continuing education
- Certification reimbursement
- Tuition assistance
For example, a job paying $95,000 with excellent retirement contributions and health insurance could potentially provide greater total compensation than a $100,000 position with limited benefits.
Discover More:
Education and Certification Requirements
People interested in pediatric cardiac sonography generally begin with education and clinical training in diagnostic medical sonography or cardiovascular sonography.
The BLS states that diagnostic medical sonographers typically need at least an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate, while licensing or certification requirements can vary.
For pediatric cardiac work, specialized clinical experience is especially important.
Important Skills
A successful pediatric cardiac sonographer should have:
- Strong cardiac anatomy knowledge
- Ultrasound imaging skills
- Pediatric patient-care skills
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Patience
- Ability to work with families
- Technical troubleshooting skills
- Teamwork skills
Pediatric patients can be frightened or unable to remain still, making communication and patience particularly important.
Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Career Outlook
The broader diagnostic medical sonographer profession has a strong employment outlook.
The BLS projects 13% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. It also projects approximately 5,800 openings per year during that period.
This projection is for diagnostic medical sonographers overall rather than specifically pediatric cardiac sonographers.
Demand for specialized cardiac imaging may be supported by:
- Advances in ultrasound technology
- Increased use of noninvasive imaging
- Cardiovascular healthcare needs
- Pediatric congenital heart care
- Growth of specialized medical centers
- Replacement of retiring healthcare workers
The specialized nature of pediatric cardiac imaging can provide opportunities for professionals who develop strong clinical skills.
Discover More:
Is Pediatric Cardiac Sonography a Good Career?
Pediatric cardiac sonography can be an excellent career for someone who enjoys medical imaging, cardiovascular medicine, technology, and working with children.
Advantages
- Specialized healthcare career
- Competitive salary potential
- Strong overall sonography employment outlook
- Opportunities for specialization
- Potential for six-figure income
- Multiple work environments
- Career advancement opportunities
- Opportunity to work with pediatric cardiology teams
Challenges
The profession can also be demanding.
Pediatric cardiac sonographers may work with critically ill infants and children, complex congenital heart conditions, and families experiencing stressful medical situations.
The physical demands of sonography can also include prolonged standing, repetitive movements, and positioning patients and equipment.
Strong technical skills and emotional resilience are therefore important.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pediatric cardiac sonographer make in 2027?
A practical 2027 planning range is approximately $70,000 to $125,000+ per year. Experienced and highly specialized professionals may earn more in certain markets.
What is the average pediatric cardiac sonographer salary?
Current salary sources vary considerably. ZipRecruiter reported approximately $89,646 per year in August 2026, while Glassdoor reported median total pay of about $124,000.
The difference demonstrates why salary estimates should be treated as ranges rather than a guaranteed national average.
How much does a pediatric cardiac sonographer make per hour?
A practical 2027 estimate is approximately $34 to $65+ per hour, depending on experience, location, employer, and specialization.
Can pediatric cardiac sonographers make six figures?
Yes. Experienced pediatric cardiac sonographers can potentially earn $100,000 or more, particularly in specialized hospitals, major metropolitan areas, leadership positions, or jobs with premium compensation.
Do pediatric cardiac sonographers work in children’s hospitals?
Yes. Children’s hospitals are an important employment setting because they treat infants and children with congenital and acquired heart conditions.
Is pediatric cardiac sonography difficult?
It can be challenging because professionals must combine advanced ultrasound skills with pediatric patient care. Children may be anxious or unable to remain still, and some cases can involve serious cardiac conditions.
Is pediatric cardiac sonography a good career in 2027?
It can be a strong career choice for people interested in cardiovascular imaging and pediatric healthcare. The broader diagnostic medical sonography profession is projected to grow 13% between 2024 and 2034.
Conclusion
The pediatric cardiac sonographer salary in 2027 can vary widely based on experience, location, education, credentials, employer, specialized skills, and work schedule.
For career planning, a range of approximately $70,000 to $125,000+ per year provides a useful estimate. Entry-level professionals may start closer to the lower end, while experienced sonographers working in major pediatric hospitals or specialized cardiac centers may have opportunities to earn well into the six figures.
Current salary data illustrate the wide variation in the profession. ZipRecruiter reported an average of approximately $89,646 annually in August 2026, while Glassdoor reported median total pay of about $124,000. These differences are largely related to methodology and the types of compensation and jobs included.
The official BLS benchmark is for the broader diagnostic medical sonographer occupation, which had a median annual wage of $89,340 in May 2024, with the highest 10% earning more than $123,170. The BLS also projects 13% employment growth from 2024 through 2034.
If your goal is to maximize your earning potential, focus on pediatric cardiac experience, advanced echocardiography skills, professional credentials, specialized clinical knowledge, and opportunities at major pediatric medical centers.
When comparing jobs, remember that salary is only one part of the picture. Consider benefits, overtime, call pay, retirement contributions, schedule, location, workload, and career advancement opportunities before choosing a position.
Zak is a dedicated medical and career writer specializing in sonography, healthcare education, and professional development. Through SonographerSalary.com, he shares in-depth insights on sonographer salaries, education pathways, and career tips to help readers build successful futures in medical imaging. His content combines accuracy with practical, easy-to-understand guidance, empowering students and professionals to make confident, informed career decisions.