How much does a ultrasound technician make?
Answer: A typical ultrasound technician in the United States makes $96,590 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 90,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Ultrasound technician pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $67,820 | $96,590 | $129,370 | about 90,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $128,530 | about 10,000 |
| Washington | $121,340 | about 2,000 |
| Oregon | $120,220 | about 1,000 |
| Colorado | $108,410 | about 1,000 |
| Massachusetts | $107,480 | about 2,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, location, and employer; hospitals, doctors’ offices, and outpatient centers may pay differently. Employers may value licenses or specialty certificates, and the hours and shifts someone works can also affect total earnings.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a ultrasound technician do?
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists. Excludes “Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians” (29-2031).
What's a typical day like?
They explain the scan, position patients, and use an ultrasound probe while watching pictures appear on a screen. They check image quality, record findings, and share a summary with doctors.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school, then earn an associate degree or certificate in sonography with clinical practice. Some states require a license; employers may prefer certification after you meet prerequisites and pass physics and specialty exams.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Ultrasound can show blood flowing through vessels in real time, and it uses no ionizing radiation like X-rays do.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.ardms.org/get-certified/rdms
- www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-imaging/ultrasound-imaging
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY