Cardiac sonography is a specialized area of medical imaging that focuses on examining the heart and cardiovascular system using ultrasound technology. Cardiac sonographers, also known as echocardiographers or cardiovascular sonographers, perform echocardiograms that help physicians evaluate heart structure, blood flow, valves, chambers, and cardiac function.
One of the biggest questions for people entering this profession is how much cardiac sonographers make by state.
The answer varies considerably depending on location, experience, credentials, employer, specialty, and work setting. A cardiac sonographer working in California or New York may have a substantially different salary from someone working in Alabama or Mississippi.
There is also an important data limitation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not publish a separate nationwide wage category specifically called “cardiac sonographers.” Cardiac sonographers are generally included within the broader Diagnostic Medical Sonographers occupation. The latest BLS data show a national median annual wage of $89,340 in May 2024, with the highest 10% earning more than $123,170.
For 2027 planning, state salary figures should therefore be treated as estimated salary ranges based on the latest available wage patterns, rather than official 2027 government figures.
Cardiac Sonographer Salary by State in 2027
The table below provides a useful 2027 planning guide. The state benchmarks are based on the latest available diagnostic medical sonographer wage data, with 2027 ranges presented as practical estimates rather than official forecasts.
| Rank | State | Latest Median Benchmark | Estimated 2027 Salary Range | Approx. 2027 Hourly Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $122,030 | $127,000–$137,000 | $61–$66 |
| 2 | California | $120,840 | $125,000–$136,000 | $60–$65 |
| 3 | Oregon | $108,230 | $112,000–$121,000 | $54–$58 |
| 4 | Washington | $107,360 | $111,000–$120,000 | $53–$58 |
| 5 | Colorado | $104,810 | $108,000–$117,000 | $52–$56 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $104,130 | $108,000–$117,000 | $52–$56 |
| 7 | Connecticut | $102,850 | $106,000–$115,000 | $51–$55 |
| 8 | New York | $101,930 | $105,000–$114,000 | $50–$55 |
| 9 | Alaska | $103,160 | $106,000–$115,000 | $51–$55 |
| 10 | District of Columbia | $106,130 | $109,000–$118,000 | $52–$57 |
| 11 | Minnesota | $101,100 | $104,000–$113,000 | $50–$54 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | $101,650 | $104,000–$113,000 | $50–$54 |
| 13 | New Jersey | $98,000+ | $101,000–$111,000 | $49–$53 |
| 14 | Illinois | $97,810 | $101,000–$110,000 | $49–$53 |
| 15 | Wyoming | $95,650 | $98,000–$107,000 | $47–$51 |
| 16 | Maryland | $92,610 | $95,000–$104,000 | $46–$50 |
| 17 | Idaho | $91,690 | $94,000–$102,000 | $45–$49 |
| 18 | Missouri | $91,070 | $94,000–$102,000 | $45–$49 |
| 19 | Virginia | $89,540 | $92,000–$100,000 | $44–$48 |
| 20 | Kansas | $89,010 | $92,000–$100,000 | $44–$48 |
| 21 | Maine | $86,140 | $89,000–$97,000 | $43–$47 |
| 22 | North Dakota | $86,030 | $89,000–$97,000 | $43–$47 |
| 23 | Texas | $84,900 | $88,000–$96,000 | $42–$46 |
| 24 | Indiana | $84,410 | $87,000–$95,000 | $42–$46 |
| 25 | North Carolina | $83,480 | $86,000–$94,000 | $41–$45 |
| 26 | Iowa | $83,890 | $86,000–$94,000 | $42–$45 |
| 27 | New Mexico | $84,150 | $87,000–$95,000 | $42–$46 |
| 28 | Nebraska | $79,250 | $82,000–$90,000 | $39–$43 |
| 29 | Florida | $81,240 | $84,000–$92,000 | $40–$44 |
| 30 | Ohio | $80,950 | $83,000–$91,000 | $40–$44 |
| 31 | Pennsylvania | $79,660 | $82,000–$90,000 | $39–$43 |
| 32 | Oklahoma | $80,470 | $83,000–$91,000 | $40–$44 |
| 33 | South Carolina | $80,490 | $83,000–$91,000 | $40–$44 |
| 34 | Georgia | $80,230 | $83,000–$91,000 | $40–$44 |
| 35 | Michigan | $80,300 | $83,000–$91,000 | $40–$44 |
| 36 | Kentucky | $80,320 | $83,000–$91,000 | $40–$44 |
| 37 | Arkansas | $78,500 | $81,000–$89,000 | $39–$43 |
| 38 | Tennessee | $79,480 | $82,000–$90,000 | $39–$43 |
| 39 | West Virginia | $73,410 | $76,000–$83,000 | $37–$40 |
| 40 | Louisiana | $76,400 | $79,000–$86,000 | $38–$41 |
| 41 | Mississippi | $73,440 | $76,000–$83,000 | $37–$40 |
| 42 | South Dakota | $74,880 | $77,000–$84,000 | $37–$40 |
| 43 | Alabama | $66,340 | $69,000–$76,000 | $33–$37 |
The latest state wage benchmarks are for diagnostic medical sonographers, not cardiac sonographers exclusively. They provide the most useful broad state-level benchmark because cardiac sonography is not separately reported in the BLS state wage tables.
Which States Pay Cardiac Sonographers the Most?
The highest-paying states tend to be concentrated on the West Coast, Northeast, and several high-income states.
Top-Paying States
Based on the latest available diagnostic sonographer wage data, states near the top include:
- Hawaii
- California
- Oregon
- Washington
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- New York
- Alaska
- Minnesota
Hawaii and California have some of the highest reported median wages for diagnostic medical sonographers. The latest available figures put Hawaii at about $122,030 and California at about $120,840 annually.
However, a high salary does not automatically mean the highest purchasing power.
For example, California and Hawaii also have relatively high housing and living expenses. A sonographer should therefore compare salary and cost of living together when deciding where to work.
Cardiac Sonographer Salary in California
California is one of the strongest states for sonography compensation.
The latest diagnostic medical sonographer median wage was approximately $120,840 per year, which is equivalent to about $58 per hour.
Estimated 2027 California Pay
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Approx. Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $90,000–$102,000 | $43–$49 |
| Mid-Career | $105,000–$120,000 | $50–$58 |
| Experienced | $120,000–$135,000 | $58–$65 |
| Advanced | $135,000+ | $65+ |
Large metropolitan areas can provide particularly strong opportunities, although housing costs can significantly reduce the purchasing power of a high salary.
Cardiac Sonographer Salary in Hawaii
Hawaii has one of the highest diagnostic sonographer wage benchmarks in the country.
The latest median wage was approximately $122,030 annually.
Estimated 2027 Hawaii Pay
| Career Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Monthly Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $90,000–$103,000 | $7,500–$8,583 |
| Mid-Career | $105,000–$120,000 | $8,750–$10,000 |
| Experienced | $120,000–$137,000 | $10,000–$11,417 |
| Advanced | $137,000+ | $11,417+ |
Hawaii’s high wage levels should be considered alongside its relatively high cost of living.
Cardiac Sonographer Salary in New York
New York is another major market for cardiac and diagnostic sonography.
The latest median wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was approximately $101,930, with the 90th-percentile wage reaching about $122,400.
Estimated 2027 New York Pay
| Career Level | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $78,000–$88,000 |
| Mid-Career | $90,000–$105,000 |
| Experienced | $105,000–$118,000 |
| Advanced | $118,000–$130,000+ |
New York also contains several large healthcare markets, giving experienced cardiac sonographers opportunities to compare hospitals, outpatient facilities, specialty cardiology practices, and other employers.
Cardiac Sonographer Salary in Texas
Texas is one of the largest employment markets for diagnostic medical sonographers.
The latest median diagnostic sonographer wage was approximately $84,900 per year, or about $40.82 per hour.
Estimated 2027 Texas Pay
| Experience | Estimated Annual Salary | Approx. Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $68,000–$76,000 | $33–$37 |
| Mid-Career | $78,000–$90,000 | $38–$43 |
| Experienced | $90,000–$102,000 | $43–$49 |
| Advanced | $102,000+ | $49+ |
Texas can be attractive because several major metropolitan areas have large healthcare systems and a substantial number of medical imaging jobs.
Cardiac Sonographer Salary in Florida
Florida is another large employment market.
The latest diagnostic sonographer median wage was approximately $81,240 annually.
Estimated 2027 Florida Pay
| Career Level | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $65,000–$73,000 |
| Mid-Career | $75,000–$86,000 |
| Experienced | $86,000–$98,000 |
| Advanced | $98,000+ |
Florida’s large and aging population can create demand for healthcare services, including cardiovascular and diagnostic imaging.
Cardiac Sonographer Salary in Lower-Paying States
Some states have lower median wages for diagnostic medical sonographers.
The latest available figures show Alabama at approximately $66,340, Mississippi at $73,440, West Virginia at $73,410, South Dakota at $74,880, and Louisiana at $76,400.
Estimated 2027 Pay in Lower-Wage States
| State | Latest Median Benchmark | Estimated 2027 Range |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $66,340 | $69,000–$76,000 |
| Mississippi | $73,440 | $76,000–$83,000 |
| West Virginia | $73,410 | $76,000–$83,000 |
| South Dakota | $74,880 | $77,000–$84,000 |
| Louisiana | $76,400 | $79,000–$86,000 |
A lower nominal salary does not necessarily mean a worse financial outcome. Lower-cost housing and everyday expenses can sometimes offset part of the salary difference.
Cardiac Sonographer Salary by Experience
Experience is one of the most important factors affecting salary.
Entry-Level Cardiac Sonographer
A newly qualified cardiac sonographer may earn somewhere around $65,000 to $80,000, depending on the state and employer.
Entry-level professionals should look at:
- Training opportunities
- Certification requirements
- Health benefits
- Retirement plans
- Shift differentials
- Overtime opportunities
- Advancement potential
The first job can be particularly valuable for developing clinical experience.
Mid-Career Cardiac Sonographer
With several years of experience, professionals may move into a higher salary range.
A mid-career cardiac sonographer may earn approximately $80,000 to $105,000, depending on the market.
At this stage, professionals may have opportunities to specialize or take on additional responsibilities.
Experienced Cardiac Sonographer
Experienced cardiac sonographers in strong markets may earn $100,000 to $125,000+.
Advanced experience may also qualify professionals for:
- Lead sonographer positions
- Senior echocardiography roles
- Clinical education
- Department coordination
- Specialized cardiac imaging
- Supervisory positions
Cardiac Sonographer Hourly Salary by State
Hourly pay provides another useful way to compare states.
The latest national median for diagnostic medical sonographers was $42.95 per hour in May 2024.
Example Hourly Pay Comparison
| State | Latest Median Hourly Benchmark | Estimated 2027 Hourly Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $58.10 | $60–$65 |
| Hawaii | $58.67 | $61–$66 |
| Oregon | $52.03 | $54–$58 |
| Washington | $51.62 | $53–$58 |
| Colorado | $50.39 | $52–$56 |
| New York | $49.00 | $50–$55 |
| Texas | $40.82 | $42–$46 |
| Florida | $39.06 | $40–$44 |
| Georgia | $38.57 | $40–$44 |
| Alabama | $31.89 | $33–$37 |
These numbers are intended as planning estimates and should not be interpreted as guaranteed cardiac-sonographer wages.
Discover More:
Factors That Affect Cardiac Sonographer Salary
State is only one part of the salary equation.
Experience
More clinical experience can help professionals qualify for higher-paying positions.
Credentials
Professional credentials can strengthen a sonographer’s qualifications and may be important for specialized cardiac positions.
Specialty
Advanced areas such as pediatric echocardiography, fetal echocardiography, and specialized cardiac imaging may create additional career opportunities.
Employer
Large hospitals, outpatient centers, cardiology practices, and specialty facilities may offer different compensation packages.
Work Schedule
Evening, night, weekend, holiday, and on-call work may come with additional compensation.
Location Within a State
Salary differences can be significant even within the same state.
A cardiac sonographer working in a major metropolitan area may earn more than one working in a smaller rural market.
Highest-Paying Work Settings for Sonographers
The employer type can have a major influence on salary.
According to the latest BLS data, diagnostic medical sonographers had a May 2024 median wage of $123,610 in outpatient care centers, compared with $90,070 in hospitals and $89,450 in physicians’ offices.
| Work Setting | May 2024 Median Wage |
|---|---|
| Outpatient Care Centers | $123,610 |
| Hospitals | $90,070 |
| Physicians’ Offices | $89,450 |
| Medical & Diagnostic Laboratories | $83,200 |
These figures cover diagnostic medical sonographers overall, rather than cardiac sonographers specifically.
Still, they demonstrate why comparing work settings can be just as important as comparing states.
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How to Earn More as a Cardiac Sonographer
Cardiac sonographers who want to increase their earning potential have several options.
Develop Advanced Cardiac Skills
Strong technical skills can make you more competitive for specialized positions.
Consider Specialization
Potential specialties include:
- Adult echocardiography
- Pediatric echocardiography
- Fetal echocardiography
- Stress echocardiography
- Advanced cardiac imaging
Gain Experience
Clinical experience can improve both job opportunities and negotiating power.
Consider Relocation
Moving to a higher-paying state may increase your salary, although you should compare the increase with housing and living costs.
Take Premium Shifts
When available, overtime and premium shifts can increase total annual compensation.
Move Into Leadership
Experienced professionals may eventually transition into:
- Lead sonographer
- Echocardiography supervisor
- Clinical coordinator
- Sonography educator
- Imaging manager
Cardiac Sonographer Salary vs Other Sonography Careers
Cardiac sonography is one of several specialties within the broader sonography profession.
| Sonography Career | Primary Focus | Typical Career Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiac Sonographer | Heart and cardiovascular system | Echocardiography |
| General Sonographer | Multiple body systems | General diagnostic imaging |
| Vascular Sonographer | Blood vessels and circulation | Vascular imaging |
| OB/GYN Sonographer | Pregnancy and reproductive system | Obstetric and gynecologic imaging |
| Pediatric Sonographer | Children and infants | Pediatric imaging |
| Breast Sonographer | Breast tissue | Breast imaging |
Salary varies by state, experience, employer, and specialty, so there is no single specialty that pays the most in every location.
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Cardiac Sonographer Benefits
A salary comparison should not focus only on base pay.
A job with a slightly lower salary may provide a better overall compensation package.
Common benefits can include:
- Health 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
When comparing two offers, consider the value of all benefits in addition to annual salary.
Cardiac Sonography Career Outlook
The overall outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers is strong.
The BLS projects 13% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, considerably faster than the average for all occupations. About 5,800 openings are projected each year during that period.
Several factors can support continued demand for sonography professionals.
These include:
- An aging population
- Increased need for diagnostic imaging
- Cardiovascular disease
- Expansion of outpatient healthcare
- Advances in ultrasound technology
- Replacement of retiring healthcare workers
For someone considering cardiac sonography as a long-term career, this outlook can be encouraging.
Is Cardiac Sonography a Good Career in 2027?
Cardiac sonography can be a strong career choice for people interested in healthcare, medical technology, and cardiovascular medicine.
Advantages
- Competitive salary potential
- Strong overall sonography employment outlook
- Multiple specialization options
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Potential overtime income
- Variety of healthcare settings
- Possibility of six-figure earnings
Challenges
The career also has physical demands.
Sonographers may spend considerable time standing and may need to help position patients. Repetitive scanning movements can also be physically demanding.
Cardiac sonographers also need excellent attention to detail because the quality of an examination can affect the physician’s ability to evaluate a patient’s condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state pays cardiac sonographers the most?
California and Hawaii are among the highest-paying states when looking at the latest diagnostic medical sonographer wage data. Hawaii had a median wage of approximately $122,030, while California had a median of approximately $120,840 in the latest available state data.
How much does a cardiac sonographer make in Texas?
The latest median wage for diagnostic medical sonographers in Texas was approximately $84,900 per year. A 2027 planning range of roughly $88,000 to $96,000 can be used as an estimate, although actual cardiac sonographer salaries vary by employer and experience.
How much does a cardiac sonographer make in California?
California’s latest median diagnostic medical sonographer wage was approximately $120,840 annually. A qualified cardiac sonographer may earn more or less depending on specialty, experience, and employer.
Can cardiac sonographers make $100,000 a year?
Yes. Experienced cardiac sonographers in higher-paying states, specialized positions, or jobs with overtime and premium pay can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually.
Can a cardiac sonographer make $120,000?
Yes. Six-figure compensation is possible, particularly for experienced professionals working in higher-paying markets or advanced cardiac imaging positions.
What is the national sonographer salary benchmark?
The latest BLS data show a median annual wage of $89,340 for diagnostic medical sonographers, with a median hourly wage of $42.95 in May 2024.
Does cardiac sonographer salary depend on location?
Yes. Geographic location is one of the most important factors affecting salary. State wage differences can be substantial, and metropolitan areas can also differ significantly from rural areas.
Do cardiac sonographers receive benefits?
Many full-time positions provide benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, disability coverage, and professional development assistance. Benefits vary by employer.
Conclusion
Cardiac sonographer salary by state can vary significantly in 2027, making location an important consideration for anyone entering or advancing in this profession.
For career planning, cardiac sonographers may see annual salaries ranging from roughly $70,000 to $120,000 or more, depending on experience, credentials, specialty, employer, and geographic location.
The latest official benchmark for the broader diagnostic medical sonographer occupation was $89,340 per year in May 2024, with the highest 10% earning more than $123,170.
States such as California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York have some of the highest diagnostic sonographer wage benchmarks, while states such as Alabama, Mississippi, West Virginia, and South Dakota have lower median wage levels.
However, salary should never be considered alone. Cost of living, benefits, overtime, work schedule, career advancement, employer type, and specialization can all influence the real financial value of a cardiac sonography position.
For professionals planning their careers in 2027, gaining experience, developing advanced cardiac imaging skills, obtaining relevant credentials, comparing employers, and researching local job markets can help maximize long-term earning potential.
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.