Diagnostic medical Sonography

Employment Opportunities

Sonographers enjoy the best that the medical field has to offer. Using the latest technology, caring for others, and working in a vibrant health care environment make ultrasound a fun and exciting career. Sonographers are challenged on a daily basis to provide the best possible care and examination. Sonographers are not just found in hospitals. Private offices, clinics, and even mobile ultrasound companies are also employers of sonographers. With the wide range of workplace options also comes the variety of specialties in ultrasound and flexible hours and work schedules. Direct healthcare settings aren't the only place to work either. Companies that manufacture ultrasound machines often need Sonographer specialists to help market, sell, and demonstrate their machines.

The current demand is very high for sonographers throughout the United States and abroad. It has been shown that the demand for sonographers will continue to increase well into the future. As the demand grows for competent sonographers, so will the salaries.

The attractive salaries and flexible work hours, as well as the diversity of options available and the lack of geographical limitations on employment opportunities, make Ultrasound an attractive career field. Sonographers may choose from a wide variety of medical specialties—the one that they enjoy the most.

According to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Sonographer Salary and Benefits Survey, the median salary for sonographers is $61, 984 which includes hourly salary, overtime, and on-call pay. The median hourly rate for a Sonographer is $29. Source: ©2005-2006 Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Plano, Texas.

Therefore, new graduates are currently earning in the range of $45,000 per year as a base salary which does not include benefits or overtime. In addition, sonographers may add up to $10,000 to their base salary when they take responsibility for emergency call-in procedures. Please note that salaries vary depending on many different factors including geographic area, amount of experience, registry status, etc.