Pediatric Sonographer Salary is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of the skill, compassion, and precision this career demands. Becoming a pediatric sonographer is not just about knowing how to run an ultrasound machine. It’s about helping children in vulnerable moments, giving parents peace of mind, and playing a key role in the healthcare journey of young patients. While the work is rewarding in many emotional ways, it’s also important to understand what this career pays, hourly, monthly, and annually.
In this detailed guide, we will take a closer look at how much a pediatric sonographer can earn in different stages of their career. Whether you are thinking about entering this field or you are already working and curious about your growth potential, this breakdown will give you a clear picture of your financial future.
How Much Does a Pediatric Sonographer Make? Hourly, Monthly & Annual Salary Overview
Pediatric sonographers earn a competitive income that reflects their specialized skill set and the critical role they play in child healthcare. Whether you’re just entering the field or have years of hands-on experience, your earnings can vary based on several factors—including your location, employer, and shift type. Most pediatric sonographers are paid hourly, but understanding how those hours translate into monthly and yearly income gives a clearer picture of your financial future. From starting salaries to senior-level earnings, this section breaks down the numbers so you know what to expect at every stage. If you are considering pediatric sonography as a career, these salary insights will help you plan ahead, make informed decisions, and set realistic income goals.
Hourly Pay for Pediatric Sonographers
Let’s start with the basics, hourly pay. Pediatric sonographers typically work in hospitals, children’s clinics, or specialty care units. Their pay depends on multiple factors, but generally falls between $34 to $52 per hour.
Those just beginning their career, such as fresh graduates or trainees, usually start at the lower end. These early roles often pay around $34 to $38 per hour, depending on the region and workplace. Once you gain experience and confidence, your hourly rate increases steadily.
Mid-level professionals, those with 3 to 6 years of experience, commonly earn $40 to $46 per hour. These sonographers are more independent, handle more complex cases, and often assist new technicians in training.
Highly experienced pediatric sonographers, especially those who have specialized in certain areas or taken on supervisory roles, can make $48 to $52+ per hour. In some settings, those with over a decade of experience may even exceed this range through bonuses, leadership roles, or high-demand departments like neonatal intensive care.
Monthly Salary for Pediatric Sonographers
Once you know your hourly pay, it’s easy to estimate your monthly income. Most full-time sonographers work about 160 hours a month (40 hours a week). Here’s a general idea of what monthly pay looks like across experience levels:
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New or Early-Career Sonographer
If you’re earning around $35 per hour, your monthly income would be:
$35 × 160 = $5,600 per month -
Mid-Level Pediatric Sonographer
Earning around $43/hour, you would make:
$43 × 160 = $6,880 per month -
Senior or Highly Experienced Sonographer
At $50/hour, your monthly income would be:
$50 × 160 = $8,000 per month
Keep in mind, these numbers don’t include overtime, weekend shifts, or on-call hours, which can add several hundred or even thousands of dollars to your monthly paycheck.
Yearly Salary for Pediatric Sonographers
Now let’s zoom out and look at the bigger picture: annual salary. Your yearly income as a pediatric sonographer depends on your hourly rate and how many hours you work consistently throughout the year.
Here’s what typical yearly salaries look like:
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Entry-Level Pediatric Sonographer
Working full-time at $35/hour:
$35 × 40 hours/week × 52 weeks = $72,800 per year -
Mid-Level Pediatric Sonographer
At $44/hour:
$44 × 40 × 52 = $91,520 per year -
Experienced Pediatric Sonographer
At $50/hour:
$50 × 40 × 52 = $104,000 per year
These figures offer a solid income for a career that does not require 8 years of medical school. And if you’re working in high-demand cities or specialized departments, your income could surpass these numbers.
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Pediatric Sonographer Salary by Work Setting
Where you work as a pediatric sonographer can greatly influence your pay. Here’s a breakdown of common work environments and how they typically affect your income:
Children’s Hospitals
These facilities tend to offer the highest pay because they specialize in pediatric care. They handle a wide range of cases, from routine checkups to complex heart conditions. Sonographers in these settings usually earn on the higher end of the pay scale and may receive added benefits due to the hospital’s size and resources.
General Hospitals
While not exclusively pediatric-focused, many general hospitals have dedicated children’s departments. Pay here is often competitive, though slightly lower than specialized children’s hospitals. You might also rotate between adult and pediatric patients, depending on the workload.
Private Clinics and Outpatient Centers
These settings often offer more regular hours and a quieter pace. Pay may be lower compared to hospitals, but many sonographers value the stability and balance that comes with working in a clinic. These roles are especially attractive for those seeking less weekend or night work.
Traveling Pediatric Sonographers
Some professionals take short-term assignments across different states or hospitals. These positions typically pay more per hour, often $55 to $65 or more, plus travel allowances or housing. The tradeoff? A less predictable schedule and time away from home.
How Experience Affects Your Income
Let’s talk about one of the most important salary factors: experience. As you gain years in the field, your income almost always grows.
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First Year: Most new sonographers are learning on the job, developing their technical skills, and adjusting to the pace of pediatric care. During this time, salaries are respectable but modest. This is the foundation phase.
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Years 2–5: With more experience and confidence, your responsibilities increase. You may handle more complex cases or become a trusted part of a care team. Your income usually jumps significantly during this phase.
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Years 6–10: This is where many sonographers hit their stride. You may pursue certifications, specialize in areas like pediatric echocardiography, or take on mentoring roles. Salaries at this stage are often at their peak or very close.
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10+ Years: Veteran pediatric sonographers who’ve stayed in the field often become leaders, educators, or imaging supervisors. Many choose to stay clinical, but the career path can expand to administrative or academic roles as well.
Schedule Flexibility and Extra Pay Opportunities
One of the great things about working in pediatric sonography is the flexibility to earn more through:
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Night shifts or weekends: These often pay more per hour, especially in hospital settings.
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On-call shifts: If you’re called in outside normal hours, the rate is usually higher, and you may earn a bonus just for being available.
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Extra shifts: Picking up an extra shift here and there can add thousands to your yearly income.
Some pediatric sonographers who want a higher paycheck without changing jobs take advantage of these options. It’s a smart way to increase earnings while staying in a role you love.
Additional Benefits Beyond Salary
While the base salary is important, there’s more to a pediatric sonographer’s income than just what shows up on a paycheck. Most full-time positions come with a package of benefits that add significant value to the overall compensation.
Health Insurance
Nearly all hospitals and healthcare systems provide full medical, dental, and vision coverage. This means fewer out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits, prescriptions, and family healthcare. Some even offer lower premiums if you work in the facility’s own network.
Retirement Plans
Many employers offer retirement savings options like 401(k) or 403(b) plans. These often include employer matching, meaning a portion of your contributions are matched, essentially giving you free money toward retirement.
Paid Time Off
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick days are a standard part of most packages. It’s not uncommon for experienced sonographers to get 3 to 4 weeks of paid time off per year, along with additional paid holidays.
Continuing Education Support
Some hospitals reimburse the cost of professional development, training courses, or certifications. This helps you grow your skills while keeping your costs low and may even help boost your salary later on.
Bonuses and Incentives
Some facilities offer sign-on bonuses, retention bonuses, or yearly performance-based incentives. In high-demand areas, sign-on bonuses can be surprisingly generous, especially for pediatric specialists.
Work-Life Balance in Pediatric Sonography
One of the biggest advantages of being a pediatric sonographer is the potential for a healthy work-life balance. While hospital shifts can sometimes run late or include weekends, many sonographers enjoy predictable hours, especially those working in outpatient or clinic settings.
Typical Schedule
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Most full-time roles involve daytime hours, Monday through Friday.
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Some hospitals rotate staff into weekend or evening shifts, but these often come with extra pay.
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Per diem or part-time options offer more flexibility for parents, students, or semi-retired professionals.
Emotional Rewards
Pediatric sonographers often form strong connections with their patients and families. Seeing a child’s health improve or supporting parents through tough moments gives this job a deep emotional impact. While it’s not always easy, many find it fulfilling in a way few other careers can match.
Opportunities for Career Growth and Increased Pay
Pediatric sonography isn’t a career that stays still. With time, effort, and ambition, there are plenty of ways to move forward and earn more.
Advanced Certifications
You can expand your qualifications by adding specialties, like:
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Pediatric echocardiography
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Vascular imaging
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Fetal or neonatal sonography
Each new certification strengthens your expertise and opens doors to higher-paying roles.
Leadership and Management Roles
After several years in the field, many sonographers move into leadership:
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Lead Sonographer: Manages a department or imaging team
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Imaging Supervisor: Oversees multiple departments and schedules
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Training Coordinator: Helps onboard and train new hires
These roles often come with higher salaries, management bonuses, and greater influence over department operations.
Teaching or Mentorship
If you enjoy guiding others, teaching at a local medical college or mentoring interns is another option. Some experienced sonographers split their time between clinical work and education, earning extra income while shaping the next generation.
Relocation or Travel Work
In certain regions, demand for pediatric sonographers is so high that employers are willing to offer higher pay, relocation assistance, or even housing allowances. Travel sonography is also a growing niche where professionals take 3 to 6-month assignments around the country often with very competitive pay.
Challenges in the Role (and How They Impact Pay)
Every job has its challenges. Pediatric sonographers often face unique pressures that affect both job satisfaction and compensation.
Emotional Stress
Working with children who are sick or in pain can be emotionally heavy. There are moments that require you to stay strong and professional, even when your heart breaks for the family. This emotional demand is part of why pediatric sonographers are so respected and why their pay reflects that specialized skill.
Physical Demands
This job isn’t about sitting at a desk all day. It involves lifting, standing, and constant movement. Keeping your energy up and avoiding burnout requires care, both for yourself and your work habits.
Precision Under Pressure
In many cases, pediatric scans are urgent and time-sensitive. One missed image or measurement could delay treatment. The pressure to be both fast and flawless can be intense, which is why experience and focus are so critical and so valued.
Is Pediatric Sonography a Good Career Financially?
Absolutely. From both a short-term and long-term perspective, pediatric sonography offers a strong return on investment. It doesn’t require a decade of schooling, the income is competitive, and there’s room to grow without leaving patient care behind.
Let’s look at the big picture:
Fast Entry into the Field
Many sonographers start their careers after completing a 2-year accredited program, meaning you could be earning a professional income faster than other medical fields that require four or more years of study.
Low Student Debt
Compared to careers like nursing or medicine, the educational cost is lower, and you can enter the workforce sooner—meaning less debt and more earning years ahead.
Income Stability
Healthcare is a stable field, and pediatric services are always in demand. As long as children need care, this role remains relevant and essential.
Room to Grow
You’re never stuck at one income level. Whether you go into management, travel work, or specialize further, your career can evolve with your goals.
Final Thoughts: Making It Count
Choosing a career as a pediatric sonographer is about more than income but income matters. And in this case, the numbers are encouraging. Whether you’re fresh out of school or a decade into your career, there are real opportunities to grow both professionally and financially.
This role pays you not only in dollars but in daily moments of impact seeing relief on a parent’s face, helping a child get the right diagnosis, and knowing that your skills made a difference.
If you are looking for a healthcare job that blends technical skills, steady pay, and human connection, pediatric sonography could be exactly the right fit.
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FAQs:
1. What is the average starting salary for a pediatric sonographer?
Most entry-level pediatric sonographers earn between $65,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on location and employer. Those just beginning their careers often start at around $34–$36 per hour. Hospitals in urban areas tend to offer slightly higher rates. With consistent work hours and occasional overtime, even early-career professionals can build a strong income right from the start.
2. Do pediatric sonographers make more than general sonographers?
Yes, pediatric sonographers often earn more than general sonographers due to their specialized skill set and ability to work with children. Their expertise in handling pediatric cases, which require patience and precision, often leads to higher hourly rates. Many hospitals value this specialization and compensate accordingly, especially in dedicated children’s hospitals or neonatal departments where demand for accuracy is high.
3. Can pediatric sonographers increase their salary over time?
Absolutely. Pediatric sonographers can grow their income by gaining experience, earning certifications in specialties like pediatric echocardiography, or moving into supervisory roles. Many also boost their pay by working night shifts, weekends, or picking up extra hours. Over time, senior professionals in this field can earn over $100,000 annually, especially in high-demand cities or specialized pediatric hospitals.
4. Where do pediatric sonographers earn the most money?
Pediatric sonographers earn the most in large metropolitan areas and states with high demand for specialized pediatric care. Cities with major children’s hospitals or teaching hospitals often offer higher salaries. States like California, New York, and Massachusetts consistently offer top pay rates. However, these areas may also come with a higher cost of living, so it’s important to consider that when relocating.
5. Is pediatric sonography a good long-term career choice?
Yes, pediatric sonography is an excellent long-term career. It offers job stability, strong income growth, and emotional rewards. Demand for pediatric healthcare remains steady, and the role allows for personal and professional development. With opportunities to specialize further, mentor others, or step into leadership, pediatric sonographers enjoy a fulfilling and well-paying career path that grows with their experience.
6. How many hours do pediatric sonographers usually work?
Most full-time pediatric sonographers work 40 hours per week, typically during daytime hours. Some roles may include weekend or evening shifts, especially in hospitals. On-call responsibilities may apply in emergency departments. Those seeking flexibility can find part-time or per diem roles. The field allows for various scheduling options, making it easier to maintain work-life balance while still earning a competitive salary.
Disclaimer: All salary figures on this site are based on publicly available sources, industry averages, and past trends. Actual salaries may vary depending on your location, specialization, experience, education, and employer. These estimates are provided for informational purposes only and do not guarantee specific outcomes.”