If you are considering a career in echocardiography, one of the first questions you may have is: How much does a cardiac sonographer make?
Cardiac sonographers, also called echocardiographers or cardiovascular sonographers, use ultrasound technology to create images of the heart. Their work helps physicians evaluate heart chambers, valves, blood flow, and overall cardiac function.
Cardiac sonographer pay can vary significantly depending on experience, location, education, credentials, employer, specialty, and work schedule. For 2027 career planning, a cardiac sonographer may earn roughly $70,000 to $120,000 or more per year, although actual salaries can fall outside this range.
There is an important distinction when looking at salary statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish a separate national wage category specifically for cardiac sonographers. Cardiac sonographers are generally included within the broader diagnostic medical sonographer occupation. The latest BLS data show a $89,340 median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers 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.
This guide explains cardiac sonographer salary by experience, hourly rate, monthly income, work setting, specialty, location, and other factors that can affect total compensation.
Cardiac Sonographer Salary at a Glance
For 2027 planning, the following ranges provide a practical overview of potential cardiac sonographer compensation.
| Career Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Estimated Monthly Pay | Estimated 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–$102,000 | $7,333–$8,500 | $42–$49 |
| Experienced | $100,000–$115,000 | $8,333–$9,583 | $48–$55 |
| Advanced/Specialized | $110,000–$130,000+ | $9,167–$10,833+ | $53–$63+ |
These are 2027 salary planning estimates, not official 2027 government wage figures. The latest official BLS benchmark available is based on May 2024 employment and wage data.
What Does a Cardiac Sonographer Do?
A cardiac sonographer specializes in ultrasound examinations of the heart.
During an echocardiogram, the sonographer operates specialized ultrasound equipment to obtain images and measurements that physicians can use to assess cardiovascular health.
Common Cardiac Sonographer Responsibilities
A cardiac sonographer may:
- Perform echocardiograms
- Prepare patients for examinations
- Position patients correctly
- Operate ultrasound equipment
- Capture diagnostic-quality images
- Measure cardiac structures
- Evaluate blood-flow patterns
- Record patient information
- Review images for technical quality
- Work with cardiologists and other healthcare professionals
- Maintain equipment and examination records
The profession combines technical imaging skills with direct patient care.
Cardiac sonographers must understand anatomy, physiology, ultrasound principles, and cardiac imaging techniques while also communicating effectively with patients.
How Much Does a Cardiac Sonographer Make a Year?
A cardiac sonographer’s annual salary depends heavily on experience and location.
For a general 2027 career-planning estimate, salaries may range from approximately $70,000 for entry-level professionals to more than $120,000 for experienced or specialized sonographers.
The latest BLS data provide an important benchmark. Diagnostic medical sonographers had a median annual wage of $89,340 in May 2024. The highest 10% earned more than $123,170.
Annual Cardiac Sonographer 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 |
These calculations assume 40 hours per week and 2,080 working hours per year. Actual pay can be higher when overtime, bonuses, call pay, or shift differentials are included.
How Much Does a Cardiac Sonographer Make Per Hour?
Cardiac sonographer hourly pay depends on the employer and professional experience.
Using the latest national median wage for diagnostic medical sonographers, $89,340 per year corresponds to approximately $42.95 per hour.
For 2027 career planning, a cardiac sonographer may earn approximately $34 to $63+ per hour, depending on qualifications and job location.
Estimated Hourly Pay by Experience
| Experience Level | Estimated Hourly Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $34–$38 |
| Early Career | $38–$43 |
| Mid-Career | $42–$49 |
| Experienced | $48–$55 |
| Advanced/Specialized | $53–$63+ |
Hourly compensation may also increase through overtime and premium shifts.
How Much Does a Cardiac Sonographer Make Per Month?
Monthly cardiac sonographer income depends on annual salary.
For example, a professional earning $90,000 per year has a gross monthly equivalent of $7,500.
A professional earning $110,000 has a gross monthly equivalent of approximately $9,167.
Monthly Salary Comparison
| Annual Salary | Monthly Gross Pay | Weekly Gross Pay |
|---|---|---|
| $70,000 | $5,833 | $1,346 |
| $80,000 | $6,667 | $1,538 |
| $90,000 | $7,500 | $1,731 |
| $100,000 | $8,333 | $1,923 |
| $110,000 | $9,167 | $2,115 |
| $120,000 | $10,000 | $2,308 |
| $130,000 | $10,833 | $2,500 |
These amounts are gross income before federal and state taxes, insurance, retirement contributions, and other deductions.
Cardiac Sonographer Salary by Experience
Experience is one of the strongest factors influencing earning potential.
Entry-Level Cardiac Sonographer Salary
A new cardiac sonographer may start around $70,000 to $80,000 per year, although starting salaries vary considerably by location.
New graduates should consider more than base pay when evaluating their first position.
Important factors include:
- Clinical training
- Certification support
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Overtime opportunities
- Shift differentials
- Career advancement
A position with excellent training and advancement opportunities may be more valuable long-term than a job offering a slightly higher starting salary.
Mid-Career Cardiac Sonographer Salary
After gaining several years of experience, a cardiac sonographer may move into the $88,000 to $102,000 range.
At this stage, professionals may become qualified for more complex examinations and specialized positions.
Experienced Cardiac Sonographer Salary
Experienced professionals may earn approximately $100,000 to $115,000 or more.
Higher salaries may be available for professionals with advanced cardiac imaging skills, leadership responsibilities, specialty credentials, or employment in high-paying markets.
Cardiac Sonographer Salary by Work Setting
Where a sonographer works can have a major effect on compensation.
The latest BLS data show that diagnostic medical sonographers had substantially different median wages depending on their industry. In May 2024, outpatient care centers had a median wage of $123,610, 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 represent the broader diagnostic medical sonographer occupation and are not specifically limited to cardiac sonographers.
Hospitals
Hospitals are major employers of sonographers.
Hospital positions may provide:
- Full-time employment
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Overtime opportunities
- Shift differentials
- Weekend premiums
- Paid leave
However, hospital work may require evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call shifts.
Outpatient Care Centers
Outpatient facilities can offer competitive salaries with potentially more predictable schedules.
The latest BLS figures show outpatient care centers had the highest median wage among the major industries listed for diagnostic medical sonographers.
Physicians’ Offices and Cardiology Practices
Cardiac sonographers may also work in cardiology practices and physicians’ offices.
These jobs can provide a more specialized clinical environment and may offer regular schedules depending on the practice.
What Factors Affect Cardiac Sonographer Salary?
Cardiac sonographer compensation is influenced by several factors.
Experience
Experienced sonographers generally have access to more advanced positions and may have stronger salary-negotiation opportunities.
Location
State and metropolitan-area wage differences can be substantial.
A sonographer working in a high-paying metropolitan area may earn considerably more than someone with similar experience in a lower-paying market.
Specialization
Specialized cardiac imaging skills may open additional career opportunities.
Credentials
Professional credentials can improve competitiveness for certain positions and specialties.
Employer
Large healthcare systems, cardiac centers, outpatient facilities, and private practices can have different compensation structures.
Work Schedule
Night shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call work may provide additional compensation when premium rates are available.
Leadership Responsibilities
Lead sonographers and supervisors may earn more because they take on additional administrative or clinical responsibilities.
Can a Cardiac Sonographer Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes. $100,000 per year is achievable for some experienced cardiac sonographers.
A six-figure salary becomes more realistic when a professional combines experience, specialization, strong credentials, and employment in a higher-paying market.
At $100,000 per year, the gross income is approximately:
| Pay Period | Gross Pay |
|---|---|
| Annual | $100,000 |
| Monthly | $8,333 |
| Biweekly | $3,846 |
| Weekly | $1,923 |
| Hourly | $48.08 |
However, earning $100,000 is not guaranteed. Salaries depend on the specific position and local market.
Can a Cardiac Sonographer Make $120,000 a Year?
Yes, experienced cardiac sonographers can potentially reach $120,000 or more.
The latest BLS data show that the highest 10% of diagnostic medical sonographers earned more than $123,170 in May 2024.
A $120,000 annual salary is equivalent to:
| Pay Period | Gross Pay |
|---|---|
| Annual | $120,000 |
| Monthly | $10,000 |
| Biweekly | $4,615 |
| Weekly | $2,308 |
| Hourly | $57.69 |
Higher compensation may be associated with advanced experience, specialized cardiac imaging, leadership, overtime, or high-paying geographic markets.
Discover More:
Cardiac Sonographer Specialties
Cardiac sonography offers several areas of specialization.
Adult Echocardiography
Adult echocardiography is one of the most common cardiac sonography specialties.
Sonographers may examine:
- Heart chambers
- Heart valves
- Cardiac function
- Blood flow
- Structural abnormalities
Pediatric Echocardiography
Pediatric cardiac sonographers specialize in imaging infants, children, and adolescents.
This specialty requires additional knowledge of pediatric cardiovascular anatomy and conditions.
Fetal Echocardiography
Fetal echocardiography involves detailed imaging of a developing baby’s heart before birth.
Professionals may work with maternal-fetal medicine specialists and pediatric cardiologists.
Stress Echocardiography
Stress echocardiography involves evaluating the heart during increased workload.
This can be a valuable advanced skill for experienced cardiac sonographers.
Discover More:
How to Increase Your Cardiac Sonographer Salary
If your goal is to increase your earning potential, several strategies can help.
Develop Advanced Skills
Build strong technical skills and become comfortable performing complex cardiac examinations.
Gain Clinical Experience
Experience can make you more competitive for higher-paying positions.
Specialize
Consider developing expertise in:
- Adult echocardiography
- Pediatric echocardiography
- Fetal echocardiography
- Stress echocardiography
- Advanced cardiac imaging
Compare Employers
Do not assume all hospitals and imaging facilities offer the same compensation.
Compare:
- Base salary
- Overtime
- Call pay
- Shift differentials
- Bonuses
- Retirement benefits
- Health insurance
- Paid leave
Consider High-Paying Markets
Relocating to a higher-paying state or metropolitan area can increase salary potential, although cost of living should also be considered.
Consider Leadership
Experienced cardiac sonographers may progress into roles such as:
- Lead cardiac sonographer
- Echocardiography supervisor
- Clinical coordinator
- Imaging manager
- Clinical educator
Cardiac Sonographer Benefits
Salary is only one part of total compensation.
A job with a slightly lower base salary may provide greater overall value if it offers excellent benefits.
Potential benefits include:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plans
- Employer retirement contributions
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
- Sick leave
- Life insurance
- Disability coverage
- Continuing education
- Certification reimbursement
- Tuition assistance
When comparing cardiac sonography jobs, calculate the estimated value of the entire benefits package.
Discover More:
Cardiac Sonographer Career Outlook
The overall employment outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers is strong.
The BLS projects 13% employment growth for diagnostic medical sonographers from 2024 through 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 5,800 openings are projected each year over that period.
Several factors may contribute to continued demand for diagnostic imaging professionals.
These include:
- An aging population
- Growing healthcare needs
- Cardiovascular disease
- Increased use of diagnostic imaging
- Expansion of outpatient healthcare
- Advances in ultrasound technology
- Replacement of retiring workers
This outlook makes cardiac sonography an attractive option for people interested in medical imaging and cardiovascular healthcare.
Is Cardiac Sonography a Good Career?
Cardiac sonography can be a rewarding career for people who enjoy healthcare, technology, diagnostic imaging, and patient interaction.
Advantages
- Competitive earning potential
- Strong overall sonography job outlook
- Multiple specialization options
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Potential overtime income
- Variety of work environments
- Possibility of six-figure earnings
Potential Challenges
The profession can also be physically demanding.
Sonographers may spend long periods standing and may repeatedly position equipment or patients during examinations.
The work also requires concentration and attention to detail because diagnostic-quality imaging is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cardiac sonographer make?
A cardiac sonographer may earn approximately $70,000 to $120,000 or more per year, depending on experience, location, credentials, specialty, and employer.
The latest BLS median wage for the broader diagnostic medical sonographer occupation was $89,340 in May 2024.
How much does a cardiac sonographer make per hour?
A general 2027 planning range is approximately $34 to $63+ per hour.
The latest BLS median for diagnostic medical sonographers was $42.95 per hour.
Can cardiac sonographers make six figures?
Yes. Experienced professionals can potentially earn $100,000 or more, particularly in high-paying markets, specialized positions, leadership roles, or jobs offering overtime and premium pay.
What is the highest-paying cardiac sonography specialty?
There is no single specialty that consistently pays the most in every location. Compensation depends on experience, location, employer, credentials, and demand.
Do cardiac sonographers get benefits?
Many full-time positions offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, disability coverage, and professional development.
Is cardiac sonography a good career in 2027?
Cardiac sonography can be a strong career choice. The broader diagnostic medical sonography occupation is projected to grow 13% from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS.
Conclusion
So, how much does a cardiac sonographer make?
For 2027 career planning, cardiac sonographers may earn approximately $70,000 to $120,000 or more annually, depending on experience, location, specialty, credentials, employer, and schedule.
The latest official benchmark provides useful context. Diagnostic medical sonographers had a median annual wage of $89,340 in May 2024, or approximately $42.95 per hour. The highest-paid 10% earned more than $123,170.
Experienced cardiac sonographers can potentially reach six-figure salaries by developing advanced skills, pursuing specialized cardiac imaging opportunities, comparing employers, working in higher-paying markets, and taking advantage of overtime or premium shifts.
For anyone considering this career, the most important thing is to evaluate more than the advertised salary. Location, benefits, schedule, experience, specialty, advancement opportunities, and total compensation all matter when determining the real value of a cardiac sonography position.
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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.