If you are considering a career in medical imaging, one of the most important questions is how much you can earn as an ultrasound technician in 2027.
An ultrasound technician, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, uses specialized ultrasound equipment to produce images of organs, tissues, blood vessels, and other structures inside the body. These images help physicians evaluate patients and make clinical decisions.
The earning potential for ultrasound technicians can be attractive, but there is no single salary that applies to everyone. Your income can depend on experience, specialty, location, certification, employer, work setting, shift schedule, and additional responsibilities.
The latest official U.S. data provide a useful benchmark. The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $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 planning purposes, many ultrasound technicians may reasonably target an annual salary of approximately $70,000 to $110,000, while experienced specialists and professionals in higher-paying markets may earn considerably more.
This guide explains ultrasound technician salary expectations for 2027, hourly pay, salary by experience, specialty, state, work setting, benefits, and ways to increase your earning potential.
Ultrasound Technician Salary 2027 at a Glance
Because complete official 2027 wage data are not available yet, the following figures are estimated planning ranges rather than official 2027 averages.
| Career Level | Experience | Estimated 2027 Annual Salary | Monthly Equivalent | Weekly Equivalent | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | 0–2 years | $65,000–$75,000 | $5,417–$6,250 | $1,250–$1,442 | $31–$36 |
| Early Career | 2–5 years | $75,000–$85,000 | $6,250–$7,083 | $1,442–$1,635 | $36–$41 |
| Mid-Career | 5–10 years | $85,000–$100,000 | $7,083–$8,333 | $1,635–$1,923 | $41–$48 |
| Experienced | 10+ years | $100,000–$115,000 | $8,333–$9,583 | $1,923–$2,212 | $48–$55 |
| Highly Specialized | Advanced | $110,000–$135,000+ | $9,167–$11,250+ | $2,115–$2,596+ | $53–$65+ |
The monthly and weekly amounts are gross salary equivalents. Actual take-home pay will be lower after federal taxes, state taxes where applicable, insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and other deductions.
What Is the Average Ultrasound Technician Salary in 2027?
There is not yet an official national average salary specifically for 2027. Future earnings can only be estimated using current wage information, employment trends, and expected changes in the healthcare labor market.
The latest BLS occupational data list a $89,340 median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers in May 2024.
This median provides a useful benchmark when considering possible 2027 earnings.
A practical salary outlook can be divided into several levels:
- New technicians may earn around $65,000–$75,000.
- Technicians with several years of experience may earn $75,000–$90,000.
- Experienced professionals may reach $90,000–$110,000.
- Specialized or highly experienced technicians may earn $110,000–$135,000 or more.
- Certain locations and employment arrangements can produce compensation above these ranges.
Your actual salary may fall outside these estimates.
Ultrasound Technician Salary Per Hour in 2027
Hourly pay is especially useful when comparing different ultrasound technician jobs.
A professional earning $80,000 annually, for example, has an approximate base hourly equivalent of $38.46 when working 2,080 hours per year.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Gross | Biweekly Gross | Weekly Gross | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $5,000 | $2,308 | $1,154 | $28.85 |
| $65,000 | $5,417 | $2,500 | $1,250 | $31.25 |
| $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 |
| $110,000 | $9,167 | $4,231 | $2,115 | $52.88 |
| $120,000 | $10,000 | $4,615 | $2,308 | $57.69 |
| $130,000 | $10,833 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $62.50 |
| $140,000 | $11,667 | $5,385 | $2,692 | $67.31 |
These are mathematical salary conversions, not guaranteed hourly wages.
A technician who works overtime, nights, weekends, holidays, or on-call shifts may receive additional compensation beyond the basic hourly equivalent.
Ultrasound Technician Salary by Experience
Experience can have a major effect on earning potential.
A new graduate usually has less negotiating power than a technician who has spent years developing technical skills and gaining experience with complex examinations.
Entry-Level Ultrasound Technician Salary
A new ultrasound technician entering the workforce in 2027 may earn approximately $65,000 to $75,000 per year in many markets.
The starting salary can be influenced by:
- Location
- Employer
- Clinical experience
- Specialty
- Certification
- Hospital size
- Local demand
The first few years are particularly important for developing technical confidence and building a strong professional record.
Mid-Career Ultrasound Technician Salary
After several years of professional experience, an ultrasound technician may move into the $80,000–$100,000 range.
At this stage, technicians may have opportunities to specialize or take positions with greater responsibility.
Experienced Ultrasound Technician Salary
Professionals with extensive experience may earn $100,000 or more.
Higher compensation becomes more achievable when experience is combined with specialization, advanced credentials, leadership responsibilities, overtime, or employment in a higher-paying market.
Ultrasound Technician Salary by Specialty
Ultrasound technology includes several specialties. The type of examinations you perform can influence your earning potential.
| Specialty | Estimated 2027 Salary Range | Typical Experience Needed for Higher Pay | Potential Earning Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Sonography | $70,000–$100,000 | Moderate | Moderate–High |
| OB/GYN Sonography | $70,000–$105,000+ | Moderate | Moderate–High |
| Vascular Sonography | $80,000–$115,000+ | Moderate–High | High |
| Cardiac Sonography | $80,000–$120,000+ | Moderate–High | High |
| Pediatric Sonography | $75,000–$110,000+ | Moderate–High | Moderate–High |
| Advanced Specialized Roles | $100,000–$135,000+ | High | Very High |
These are broad 2027 planning estimates. They are not official specialty-specific national salary figures.
Cardiac Ultrasound Technician Salary
Cardiac ultrasound technicians, commonly called echocardiographers, specialize in imaging the heart.
The specialty requires focused knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and imaging techniques.
Experienced cardiac sonographers may have strong earning opportunities, especially when working in major hospitals or specialized cardiac facilities.
Vascular Ultrasound Technician Salary
Vascular sonographers examine blood vessels and blood flow using ultrasound technology.
This specialty can provide opportunities in hospitals, vascular laboratories, outpatient centers, and specialty practices.
OB/GYN Ultrasound Technician Salary
OB/GYN sonographers perform examinations related to pregnancy and the female reproductive system.
This can be an attractive specialty for professionals who enjoy working closely with patients and are interested in maternal and fetal imaging.
Ultrasound Technician Salary by Work Setting
Your employer and work environment can significantly affect compensation.
The latest BLS data show that wages differ between major employment settings. In May 2024, the median wage was $123,610 in outpatient care centers, compared with $90,070 in hospitals and $89,450 in physician offices.
| Work Setting | Estimated 2027 Salary Range | Typical Schedule | Potential Extra Pay | Career Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | $75,000–$110,000+ | Variable | Overtime, nights, weekends | Very High |
| Outpatient Centers | $80,000–$120,000+ | Often predictable | Bonuses, specialty pay | High |
| Physician Offices | $70,000–$100,000 | Usually predictable | Limited overtime | Moderate |
| Diagnostic Laboratories | $70,000–$105,000 | Variable | Specialty opportunities | Moderate–High |
| Specialty Clinics | $75,000–$115,000+ | Moderate | Specialty premiums | High |
| Travel Assignments | $90,000–$130,000+ | Contract-based | Stipends, bonuses | High |
The salary ranges above are estimates and can vary significantly by geographic market.
Ultrasound Technician Salary by State in 2027
Location is one of the most important factors when researching ultrasound technician pay.
The following table provides estimated 2027 ranges for career planning rather than official state-level 2027 statistics.
| State | Estimated 2027 Annual Salary | Estimated Hourly Equivalent | General 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 |
A state with a higher salary may also have higher housing, transportation, and other living expenses.
For that reason, salary should always be compared with local cost of living.
Highest-Paying Ultrasound Technician Jobs
Higher-paying opportunities are often associated with a combination of specialization, experience, location, and additional responsibilities.
Potentially higher-paying opportunities may include:
- Experienced cardiac sonographer positions
- Vascular sonographer positions
- Senior sonographer roles
- Lead sonographer positions
- Travel ultrasound assignments
- Specialty outpatient positions
- Hospital positions with significant overtime
- Positions with night or weekend premiums
- Clinical leadership roles
There is no guarantee that one job title will always pay more than another. Local market conditions can change compensation significantly.
Ultrasound Technician Benefits and Total Compensation
Salary is only one part of what an ultrasound technician may receive from an employer.
A job offering $90,000 with excellent benefits can sometimes be more valuable than a $100,000 job with minimal benefits.
Common benefits can include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Retirement plans
- Employer retirement contributions
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Continuing education
- Certification reimbursement
- Tuition assistance
- Professional development
Health Insurance
Health insurance can represent a significant portion of an employee’s overall compensation.
When comparing offers, consider premiums, deductibles, copayments, out-of-pocket limits, and the quality of the provider network.
Retirement Benefits
Retirement contributions can add substantial long-term value.
An employer that provides matching contributions may effectively increase the value of the compensation package.
Paid Time Off
Paid vacation and holidays should also be considered.
Two positions with the same salary can have significantly different overall value if one provides more paid time away from work.
Discover More:
Ultrasound Technician Total Compensation Example
When comparing jobs, look at the complete package rather than salary alone.
| Compensation Category | Job A | Job B | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $90,000 | $100,000 | Direct annual income |
| Health Insurance | Strong | Basic | Reduces healthcare costs |
| Retirement Match | 5% | 2% | Adds long-term value |
| Paid Vacation | 4 weeks | 2 weeks | More paid time off |
| Overtime | Available | Limited | Potential extra income |
| Certification Support | Yes | No | Reduces professional expenses |
| Education Assistance | Yes | Limited | Supports career development |
| Schedule | Predictable | Rotating | Affects work-life balance |
| Overall Package | Strong | Higher Base Pay | Depends on priorities |
The better job is not necessarily the one with the highest advertised salary.
How to Increase Your Ultrasound Technician Salary in 2027
If your goal is to increase your income, focus on developing skills that can make you more competitive.
Gain More Clinical Experience
Experience is valuable because it improves technical ability and confidence.
Try to gain exposure to a wide variety of examinations and patient situations.
Develop a Specialty
Specialization can open additional opportunities.
Potential areas include:
- Cardiac sonography
- Vascular sonography
- OB/GYN
- Pediatric imaging
- Breast imaging
- Advanced diagnostic applications
Earn Professional Credentials
Professional certification can improve your competitiveness for certain jobs.
Before pursuing an additional credential, check which qualifications employers in your target area actually value.
Consider Changing Work Settings
If your current salary has limited growth potential, compare opportunities in:
- Large hospitals
- Outpatient centers
- Specialty clinics
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Physician practices
- Travel assignments
Work Premium Shifts
Night, weekend, holiday, and on-call assignments may provide additional compensation.
Even a moderate shift differential can add thousands of dollars to annual earnings when worked consistently.
Negotiate Your Compensation
When receiving a job offer, consider negotiating more than the base salary.
You can ask about:
- Higher starting pay
- Sign-on bonuses
- Shift differentials
- Overtime rates
- Certification reimbursement
- Continuing education
- Vacation time
- Retirement contributions
Discover More:
Can an Ultrasound Technician Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, it is possible for an ultrasound technician to earn $100,000 or more.
However, six-figure earnings should not be considered guaranteed for every technician.
The likelihood can increase with:
- Extensive experience
- Specialized training
- Higher-paying locations
- Advanced credentials
- Leadership responsibilities
- Overtime
- Premium shifts
- Travel assignments
A $100,000 salary is equivalent to approximately $48.08 per hour when calculated over 2,080 working hours.
Can an Ultrasound Technician Make $120,000 a Year?
Yes, some experienced ultrasound technicians may reach $120,000 or more.
However, this level is better considered an upper-end earning possibility rather than a typical salary.
A technician earning $120,000 would have approximately:
| Pay Period | Gross Income Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Annual | $120,000 |
| Monthly | $10,000 |
| Biweekly | $4,615 |
| Weekly | $2,308 |
| Hourly | $57.69 |
Actual take-home income will depend on taxes and deductions.
Is Being an Ultrasound Technician a Good Career in 2027?
For people interested in healthcare and medical technology, ultrasound technology can be a strong career choice.
The occupation has a favorable employment outlook. BLS projects 13% growth in employment for diagnostic medical sonographers from 2024 to 2034, compared with 3% for all occupations.
The profession also offers multiple career paths.
A technician can potentially move from general sonography into specialized imaging, senior positions, leadership, education, or other advanced roles.
Potential advantages include:
- Competitive salary
- Strong projected job growth
- Multiple specialties
- Different work environments
- Opportunities for advancement
- Overtime opportunities
- Travel opportunities
- Healthcare career stability
The occupation also has physical demands. Sonographers may stand for extended periods and may need to position or turn patients who are ill or disabled.
Therefore, prospective students should consider the physical requirements as well as salary potential.
Discover More:
Education Required to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Education is another important part of planning an ultrasound career.
BLS lists an associate degree as the typical entry-level education for diagnostic medical sonographers. Some professionals may enter through postsecondary certificate programs, depending on their educational background and the requirements of employers.
Training generally combines classroom education with hands-on clinical experience.
Students commonly study subjects related to:
- Human anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical terminology
- Patient care
- Ultrasound physics
- Imaging techniques
- Sonographic procedures
- Professional ethics
The exact educational requirements can vary depending on the program, employer, specialty, and location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ultrasound Technician Salary 2027
What is the ultrasound technician salary in 2027?
Official 2027 salary data are not yet available. For planning purposes, many ultrasound technicians may fall within an estimated $70,000–$110,000 annual range, with experienced and specialized professionals potentially earning more.
How much does an ultrasound technician make per hour?
A broad 2027 planning range is approximately $31–$65+ per hour, depending on experience, specialty, location, and employer.
Can ultrasound technicians make six figures?
Yes. Experienced and specialized ultrasound technicians can potentially earn $100,000 or more, particularly in higher-paying markets or jobs that provide overtime and premium compensation.
What is the highest-paying ultrasound specialty?
There is no universal highest-paying specialty. Cardiac and vascular sonography can offer strong earning potential, but actual compensation depends heavily on location, employer, experience, and credentials.
Do ultrasound technicians get benefits?
Many full-time ultrasound technicians receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, life insurance, and professional development assistance.
Does experience increase ultrasound technician salary?
Generally, experience can improve earning potential by helping technicians qualify for specialized, senior, supervisory, or higher-paying positions.
Does location affect ultrasound technician pay?
Yes. Geographic location can have a substantial effect on salary because healthcare demand, wages, employer competition, and living costs vary from one market to another.
Is ultrasound technology a growing career?
Yes. Diagnostic medical sonographer employment is projected to grow by 13% between 2024 and 2034, according to the latest BLS projections.
Conclusion
The ultrasound technician salary 2027 outlook is promising for people interested in medical imaging and healthcare.
For planning purposes, many ultrasound technicians may earn approximately $70,000 to $110,000 per year, while experienced professionals, specialized sonographers, and workers in higher-paying markets may earn $100,000–$135,000 or more.
However, salary is only one part of the career equation.
Your earning potential can be influenced by:
- Experience
- Specialty
- Certification
- Geographic location
- Employer
- Work setting
- Shift schedule
- Overtime
- Leadership responsibilities
- Benefits
The latest official benchmark shows a median annual wage of $89,340 for diagnostic medical sonographers in May 2024, while employment is projected to grow 13% through 2034.
If you are planning to become an ultrasound technician in 2027, building strong clinical skills and choosing your specialty and employment market carefully can help create better long-term earning 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.