If you are considering a career in medical imaging, one of the most important questions is: How much does an ultrasound tech make a year?
Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use ultrasound equipment to create images of organs, tissues, blood vessels, and other structures inside the body. They work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to produce diagnostic images that can help identify and evaluate medical conditions.
Ultrasound technician salary can vary considerably depending on experience, specialty, location, employer, certification, and work setting. A new ultrasound tech may earn considerably less than an experienced professional with specialized skills.
The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that diagnostic medical sonographers had a median annual wage of $89,340 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $64,760, while the highest 10% earned more than $123,170.
Because official 2027 salary statistics are not yet available, this article uses current official wage data as a benchmark and provides clearly labeled estimates for 2027. This makes it easier to understand what an ultrasound tech may earn annually, monthly, weekly, and hourly.
How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make a Year?
The short answer is that an ultrasound tech can earn roughly $65,000 to $125,000 or more per year, depending on experience, specialty, location, and employer.
For 2027 career planning, a broad salary range of approximately $70,000 to $110,000 per year can be used for many full-time ultrasound technicians, while experienced or highly specialized professionals may earn above $120,000.
The latest official BLS median is $89,340 per year.
Ultrasound Tech Annual Salary Overview
| Career Level | Estimated 2027 Annual Salary | Monthly Equivalent | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $65,000–$75,000 | $5,417–$6,250 | $31–$36 |
| Early Career | $75,000–$85,000 | $6,250–$7,083 | $36–$41 |
| Mid-Career | $85,000–$100,000 | $7,083–$8,333 | $41–$48 |
| Experienced | $100,000–$115,000 | $8,333–$9,583 | $48–$55 |
| Highly Specialized | $110,000–$135,000+ | $9,167–$11,250+ | $53–$65+ |
These are estimated 2027 planning ranges, not official 2027 government salary figures.
What Is the Average Ultrasound Tech Salary?
The term “average salary” is often used when people are actually looking for the median salary.
According to the latest BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook data, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $89,340 in May 2024. The median means that half of workers earned more than this amount and half earned less.
The official wage distribution provides a better picture of earning potential:
| Salary Level | Annual Pay | Approx. Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% | Less than $64,760 | Less than $31.13 |
| 25th Percentile | Around $75,000+ | Around $36+ |
| Median | $89,340 | $42.95 |
| 75th Percentile | Around $100,000+ | Around $48+ |
| Highest 10% | More than $123,170 | More than $59.22 |
The official BLS figures demonstrate that ultrasound technician earnings can span a wide range.
For someone entering the profession, it is important to understand that the national median is not necessarily a starting salary. New graduates generally need time to build experience before reaching higher salary levels.
How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make Per Hour?
Another common way to compare ultrasound technician jobs is by hourly pay.
The latest BLS median annual wage of $89,340 corresponds to approximately $42.95 per hour.
For comparison, the following table shows annual salaries converted to hourly pay using a standard 40-hour workweek and 52 weeks per year.
| Annual Salary | Hourly Pay | Weekly Pay | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $28.85 | $1,154 | $5,000 |
| $65,000 | $31.25 | $1,250 | $5,417 |
| $70,000 | $33.65 | $1,346 | $5,833 |
| $75,000 | $36.06 | $1,442 | $6,250 |
| $80,000 | $38.46 | $1,538 | $6,667 |
| $85,000 | $40.87 | $1,635 | $7,083 |
| $90,000 | $43.27 | $1,731 | $7,500 |
| $95,000 | $45.67 | $1,827 | $7,917 |
| $100,000 | $48.08 | $1,923 | $8,333 |
| $110,000 | $52.88 | $2,115 | $9,167 |
| $120,000 | $57.69 | $2,308 | $10,000 |
| $125,000 | $60.10 | $2,404 | $10,417 |
| $130,000 | $62.50 | $2,500 | $10,833 |
These are salary conversions rather than official hourly salary data for 2027.
Actual hourly compensation may also include overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, call pay, or other additional compensation.
How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make a Month?
An ultrasound tech’s monthly salary depends on the annual salary.
For example, an ultrasound technician earning $90,000 per year has a gross monthly equivalent of $7,500.
The following table shows common annual salaries and their monthly equivalents.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Gross Pay | Biweekly Gross Pay | Weekly Gross Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| $65,000 | $5,417 | $2,500 | $1,250 |
| $70,000 | $5,833 | $2,692 | $1,346 |
| $75,000 | $6,250 | $2,885 | $1,442 |
| $80,000 | $6,667 | $3,077 | $1,538 |
| $85,000 | $7,083 | $3,269 | $1,635 |
| $90,000 | $7,500 | $3,462 | $1,731 |
| $95,000 | $7,917 | $3,654 | $1,827 |
| $100,000 | $8,333 | $3,846 | $1,923 |
| $110,000 | $9,167 | $4,231 | $2,115 |
| $120,000 | $10,000 | $4,615 | $2,308 |
| $125,000 | $10,417 | $4,808 | $2,404 |
| $130,000 | $10,833 | $5,000 | $2,500 |
These are gross earnings before taxes and other deductions.
Take-home pay will be lower after federal taxes, state taxes where applicable, health insurance, retirement contributions, and other payroll deductions.
Ultrasound Tech Salary by Experience
Experience plays a major role in determining how much an ultrasound tech makes a year.
New graduates typically begin at a lower salary because they are still developing clinical experience, scanning efficiency, technical judgment, and confidence with different examinations.
Entry-Level Ultrasound Tech Salary
An entry-level ultrasound tech may earn approximately $65,000 to $75,000 per year in many markets.
Starting salaries can vary based on:
- Geographic location
- Employer
- Specialty
- Education
- Certification
- Clinical experience
- Local demand
The first job should not be evaluated only by salary. Training opportunities, specialty exposure, benefits, and advancement potential can also have significant long-term value.
Mid-Career Ultrasound Tech Salary
After several years of experience, an ultrasound tech may move into the $85,000 to $100,000 annual range.
At this stage, professionals may have developed stronger technical skills and may begin pursuing specialty positions or higher-paying employers.
Experienced Ultrasound Tech Salary
Experienced ultrasound technicians can potentially earn $100,000 to $115,000 or more per year.
Professionals with specialized expertise, leadership responsibilities, premium shifts, or employment in high-paying markets may have opportunities to earn even more.
Ultrasound Tech Salary by Specialty
Not every ultrasound technician performs the same type of imaging.
Specialization can affect earning potential because different specialties require different technical skills, clinical knowledge, and levels of responsibility.
| Ultrasound Specialty | Estimated Annual Salary Range | Approx. Hourly Range | Potential Pay Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Sonography | $70,000–$100,000 | $34–$48 | Moderate–High |
| OB/GYN Sonography | $70,000–$105,000+ | $34–$50+ | Moderate–High |
| Vascular Sonography | $80,000–$115,000+ | $38–$55+ | High |
| Cardiac Sonography | $80,000–$120,000+ | $38–$58+ | High |
| Pediatric Sonography | $75,000–$110,000+ | $36–$53+ | Moderate–High |
| Advanced Specialty Roles | $100,000–$135,000+ | $48–$65+ | Very High |
These are broad estimates intended for career planning.
Cardiac Ultrasound Tech
Cardiac ultrasound professionals, commonly known as echocardiographers, specialize in imaging the heart.
This specialty requires knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and specialized imaging techniques. Experienced cardiac professionals may have access to competitive salaries, particularly in major hospitals and cardiac centers.
Vascular Ultrasound Tech
Vascular sonographers examine blood vessels and blood flow using ultrasound technology.
They can work in hospitals, vascular laboratories, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty clinics.
OB/GYN Ultrasound Tech
OB/GYN sonographers perform examinations related to pregnancy and the female reproductive system.
This specialty can appeal to professionals who enjoy patient interaction and maternal and fetal imaging.
Ultrasound Tech Salary by Work Setting
Where an ultrasound technician works can have a significant effect on annual income.
BLS data demonstrate differences between major employment settings. In May 2024, the median annual wage was $123,610 in outpatient care centers, compared with $90,070 in hospitals and $89,450 in physician offices.
| Work Setting | 2027 Planning Salary Range | Typical Schedule | Potential Additional Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital | $75,000–$110,000+ | Variable | Overtime, nights, weekends |
| Outpatient Center | $80,000–$120,000+ | Often predictable | Bonuses, specialty pay |
| Physician Office | $70,000–$100,000 | Usually predictable | Limited overtime |
| Diagnostic Laboratory | $70,000–$105,000 | Variable | Specialty opportunities |
| Specialty Clinic | $75,000–$115,000+ | Moderate | Premium shifts |
| Travel Assignment | $90,000–$130,000+ | Contract-based | Stipends and bonuses |
The BLS data suggest that employment setting should be considered carefully when comparing salary opportunities.
Ultrasound Tech Salary by State
Location can make a major difference in how much an ultrasound tech makes a year.
Higher-paying states and metropolitan areas may offer stronger wages because of healthcare demand, employer competition, and local wage levels. However, salary should always be compared with the cost of living.
The following are estimated 2027 planning ranges:
| State | Estimated 2027 Annual Salary | Approx. Hourly Pay | Pay Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $90,000–$125,000+ | $43–$60+ | Very High |
| New York | $85,000–$115,000+ | $41–$55+ | Very High |
| Massachusetts | $85,000–$115,000+ | $41–$55+ | Very High |
| Washington | $82,000–$112,000+ | $39–$54+ | High |
| New Jersey | $80,000–$110,000+ | $38–$53+ | High |
| Connecticut | $78,000–$108,000+ | $38–$52+ | High |
| Oregon | $78,000–$108,000+ | $38–$52+ | High |
| Colorado | $75,000–$105,000+ | $36–$50+ | High |
| Texas | $70,000–$100,000+ | $34–$48+ | Moderate–High |
| Pennsylvania | $68,000–$98,000+ | $33–$47+ | Moderate–High |
| Florida | $65,000–$95,000+ | $31–$46+ | Moderate |
| Ohio | $65,000–$95,000+ | $31–$46+ | Moderate |
| Michigan | $65,000–$95,000+ | $31–$46+ | Moderate |
| Georgia | $65,000–$95,000+ | $31–$46+ | Moderate |
| North Carolina | $65,000–$95,000+ | $31–$46+ | Moderate |
These figures are estimates for 2027 and should not be presented as official state wage data.
Can an Ultrasound Tech Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes. An ultrasound tech can potentially earn $100,000 or more per year.
However, six-figure income is not guaranteed for every professional.
Higher annual earnings are more achievable when a technician combines experience with one or more of the following:
- Specialized skills
- Higher-paying geographic location
- Overtime
- Night or weekend shifts
- Leadership responsibilities
- Travel assignments
- Higher-paying employers
- Advanced professional credentials
A $100,000 annual salary breaks down approximately as follows:
| Pay Period | Gross Income |
|---|---|
| Annual | $100,000 |
| Monthly | $8,333 |
| Biweekly | $3,846 |
| Weekly | $1,923 |
| Hourly | $48.08 |
Discover More:
Can an Ultrasound Tech Make $120,000 a Year?
Yes, some experienced ultrasound technicians can earn $120,000 or more annually.
This level of compensation is more likely in certain high-paying markets and specialized or demanding positions. Overtime and additional compensation can also push total annual earnings higher.
At $120,000 per year:
| Pay Period | Gross Income |
|---|---|
| Annual | $120,000 |
| Monthly | $10,000 |
| Biweekly | $4,615 |
| Weekly | $2,308 |
| Hourly | $57.69 |
This is gross compensation before taxes and other deductions.
What Factors Affect How Much an Ultrasound Tech Makes?
There is no single salary for every ultrasound technician.
Several factors can influence annual compensation.
Experience
Experience can help professionals qualify for higher-level positions and more complex examinations.
Specialty
Specialized sonographers may have access to different career opportunities than general sonographers.
Location
Wages can vary substantially between states, cities, and metropolitan areas.
Employer
A large hospital may have a different compensation structure from an outpatient imaging center or private physician office.
Work Schedule
Evening, overnight, weekend, holiday, and on-call shifts may come with additional compensation.
Certification
Relevant credentials can improve a candidate’s qualifications for certain positions and specialties.
Leadership
Lead sonographers, supervisors, educators, and managers may earn more because they have responsibilities beyond routine scanning.
How to Increase Your Ultrasound Tech Salary
If your goal is to increase your annual income, several strategies can help.
Gain More Experience
Developing strong clinical and technical skills can make you more competitive for advanced positions.
Choose a Specialty
Consider gaining experience in areas such as:
- Cardiac sonography
- Vascular sonography
- OB/GYN
- Pediatric sonography
- Breast imaging
- Other advanced ultrasound applications
Compare Employers
Do not assume every healthcare employer pays the same.
Compare opportunities at:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient centers
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Physician offices
- Specialty clinics
- Travel assignments
Consider Premium Shifts
If available, evening, overnight, weekend, holiday, and on-call work may provide additional income.
Move Into Leadership
Experienced professionals can consider lead, supervisory, educational, or management roles.
Evaluate Total Compensation
Salary is only one part of a job offer.
Also compare:
- Health insurance
- Retirement contributions
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
- Bonuses
- Shift differentials
- Overtime
- Education reimbursement
- Certification support
Discover More:
Ultrasound Tech Benefits and Total Compensation
An ultrasound technician’s annual salary does not tell the entire story.
A position paying $85,000 with excellent benefits may provide greater overall value than a $95,000 position with expensive insurance and limited retirement benefits.
Common benefits may include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Retirement plans
- Employer retirement matching
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Continuing education
- Certification reimbursement
- Tuition assistance
When comparing offers, consider total compensation rather than base salary alone.
Is Being an Ultrasound Tech a Good Career?
Ultrasound technology can be an attractive career for people interested in healthcare, medical imaging, technology, and direct patient interaction.
The profession also has a strong projected employment outlook. BLS projects employment of diagnostic medical sonographers to grow 13% from 2024 through 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 5,800 openings are projected each year on average during that period.
Potential Advantages
- Competitive annual earning potential
- Strong projected employment growth
- Multiple specialties
- Different healthcare settings
- Opportunities for advancement
- Potential overtime income
- Travel opportunities
Potential Challenges
The profession also has physical and scheduling demands.
Sonographers may spend long periods standing and may need to lift or turn patients. Some healthcare facilities also operate around the clock, meaning certain positions may involve evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts.
For this reason, students should consider both the financial rewards and the physical requirements before choosing this career.
Discover More:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ultrasound tech make a year?
The latest official BLS median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $89,340 in May 2024. For 2027 planning, many ultrasound techs may fall broadly within a $70,000–$110,000 annual range, depending on experience, specialty, location, and employer.
How much does an ultrasound tech make per hour?
The latest BLS median is $42.95 per hour. Individual hourly wages can vary considerably based on experience, specialty, location, and work setting.
Can an ultrasound tech make $100,000 a year?
Yes. Experienced or specialized ultrasound technicians can potentially earn $100,000 or more, particularly in higher-paying markets, specialty roles, or positions that include overtime.
Can an ultrasound tech make $120,000 a year?
Yes. Some experienced professionals can reach $120,000 or more through specialization, high-paying employers, premium shifts, travel work, overtime, or leadership positions.
What is the starting salary for an ultrasound tech?
A 2027 planning estimate for many entry-level positions is approximately $65,000 to $75,000 per year, although actual starting salaries can vary substantially by location and employer.
What ultrasound specialty pays the most?
There is no single specialty that pays the most in every location. Cardiac and vascular sonography can offer strong earning opportunities, but actual salary depends on experience, employer, location, credentials, and demand.
Do ultrasound techs get benefits?
Many full-time ultrasound technicians receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, disability coverage, and professional development assistance.
Is ultrasound tech a high-paying healthcare career?
Yes. The latest BLS median annual wage of $89,340 is substantially higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, which was $49,500 in May 2024.
Conclusion
So, how much does an ultrasound tech make a year?
The latest official data show that diagnostic medical sonographers had a median annual salary of $89,340 in May 2024, equivalent to approximately $42.95 per hour. The lowest 10% earned less than $64,760, while the highest 10% earned more than $123,170.
For 2027 career planning, many ultrasound technicians may earn approximately $70,000 to $110,000 per year, while experienced, specialized, or highly compensated professionals can potentially earn $120,000 or more.
Your actual annual salary will depend on:
- Experience
- Specialty
- Location
- Employer
- Certification
- Work setting
- Schedule
- Overtime
- Leadership responsibilities
- Benefits
The long-term outlook is also encouraging. BLS projects 13% employment growth between 2024 and 2034, indicating that diagnostic medical sonography is expected to continue growing faster than the average occupation.
For someone considering this career, the most effective way to increase earning potential is to build strong clinical skills, gain experience, develop valuable specialties, and compare complete compensation packages when evaluating job opportunities.
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.