How to Become an Ultrasound Technician: Salary, Training & Outlook (2025)
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When we hear the word "ultrasound," we typically imagine a pregnant woman getting her first glimpse of her unborn child on a little screen. An obstetric sonogram is a procedure we are most familiar with, but an ultrasound may be used to examine the internal workings of pretty much any part of the human body.
Ultrasound technicians, or sonographers, work mostly in hospitals, doctor's offices, and diagnostic laboratories. According to O*Net, they operate an ultrasound machine to produce images that a physician may use to diagnose a patient.
It's a job that requires technical savvy, detailed knowledge of human anatomy, and the interpersonal skills necessary to make a patient feel at ease during the procedure.
Being an ultrasound technician may seem like a daunting job, but it only takes a minimum of two years to complete the schooling necessary. Compared to other medical fields, pursing a career as a sonographer is not a long one at all.
What Does an Ultrasound Technician Do?
An ultrasound machine uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images of a patient's internal organs and tissues. As an ultrasound technician, you would operate the equipment that conducts the ultrasound. Once you have captured the images, a physician may look at them and make a diagnosis.
We are most familiar with the use of ultrasound to monitor a mother during pregnancy, but the ultrasound machine has other uses. You may use a sonogram machine to analyze breast tissue, examine the brain and spinal cord, and examine organs in the abdominal cavity.
Some diagnostic medical sonographers may focus on a certain kind of imaging, like cardiac sonographers, who focus on taking sonograms of the heart.
As an ultrasound technician, you don't just have to be able to operate the machine. You are the one who could interact with patients and walk them through the procedure. The patient might be nervous or self-conscious, and it is your job to put them at ease. For this reason, you have to have interpersonal skills as well as technical know-how.
Is It Hard to Pursue a Career as an Ultrasound Tech?
If you're considering a career as an ultrasound tech, two important factors to consider are your ability to earn a degree and the profession's job growth rate. The number of ultrasound technician jobs, like a lot of other medical professions, are growing at a fast rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 14% increase in ultrasound technician jobs between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the average growth rate for all jobs. This is likely because the baby-boomer generation is getting older and requires diagnostic tests for various cardiovascular problems.
Once you earn your degree and certification, you may be able to pursue a career in a hospital, doctor's office, or diagnostic laboratory. Many people may earn a certification after 2-4 years of study.
The majority of the courses required in your studies are science courses since you may have to know about the human body in order to use the sonogram machine. Once you finish your studies, you may be able to sit the certification exam.
Education, Training & Certification
Although program structures vary, training as an ultrasound technician (sometimes called a sonographer) typically begins with an accredited associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography, which can take about two years to complete. If you already have a degree in a health-related field, you could pursue a specialized ultrasound technician certification program to fast-track your studies.
For those who prefer more comprehensive training, a bachelor’s degree in science with a focus on sonography can offer advanced skills and specialized coursework. Generally, both associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs include core science classes—biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and physics—along with ultrasound-oriented courses, such as obstetrics and gynecology ultrasound, physics of ultrasound, and medical terminology.
After graduating, you can pursue certification through organizations like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International. Earning certification solidifies your credentials and often leads to broader job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic laboratories.
Ultrasound Technician Job Outlook
Job opportunities for ultrasound technicians are expected to expand significantly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), diagnostic medical sonography is projected to grow at 11%, a faster-than-average pace, partly influenced by the aging population and the need for noninvasive diagnostic imaging. This rising demand offers ultrasound technicians strong employment prospects across hospitals, outpatient centers, and specialized diagnostic facilities.
In addition, ultrasound imaging technology continually improves and is considered less invasive than some other diagnostic tools, increasing its popularity among healthcare providers. By honing your knowledge and skills, you can position yourself for a stable and potentially lucrative career in this expanding field.
Ultrasound Technician Salary
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for an ultrasound technician is $80,850. One advantage is that many sonographers can enter the field with an associate’s degree, making the role one of the highest paying for a two-year credential.
Keep in mind that your exact salary can vary depending on your location, your experience level, and whether you specialize in areas like cardiac sonography or vascular imaging. Pursuing additional certifications may also lead to higher earning potential and a wider range of job options.
Who Makes More Money: RN or Ultrasound Tech?
Who Makes More Money: RN or Ultrasound Tech?
According to the BLS, the 2022 median annual salary for a registered nurse was $86,070, while the median annual salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer (often called an ultrasound tech) was $80,850. That means ultrasound technicians typically earn slightly more than nurses, about $780 more per year.
Like an ultrasound technician, an RN usually needs an associate’s or bachelor’s degree—or completion of an approved nursing program—to enter the field. After graduating, RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed. Once licensed, a registered nurse can begin practicing.
Although both careers share similarities in the required duration of education and healthcare focus, your choice ultimately depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Consider what excites you most—whether that’s direct patient care as a nurse, or operating specialized ultrasound equipment to help diagnose medical conditions.
RN vs. Ultrasound Technician
Why Can't Ultrasound Techs Tell You the Result of an Ultrasound?
Having an ultrasound can be an emotional experience, and it’s normal for patients to want immediate feedback. However, ultrasound technicians do not interpret images or provide test results directly, because this responsibility is reserved for physicians. Only a doctor is qualified to discuss clinical findings and any follow-up care that might be necessary.
While technicians are generally knowledgeable about anatomy and can identify potential abnormalities, disclosing those observations to a patient could influence healthcare decisions before a formal diagnosis is made. This is why ultrasound technicians remain focused on capturing accurate images and wait for the physician to communicate results.
Take the First Step Toward Your Ultrasound Tech Career
A career as an ultrasound technician can be incredibly fulfilling, placing you on the forefront of diagnostic medicine. Whether you opt for an associate’s or bachelor’s program, your education will combine classroom work with clinical practice to prepare you for certification with organizations such as the ARDMS.
After certifying, you can choose a specialty—from obstetrical ultrasound to cardiac sonography—or stay flexible and explore various settings like hospitals, private clinics, or imaging laboratories. Whichever route you take, your role will be vital in helping physicians diagnose and treat patients effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Become an Ultrasound Tech
It typically takes two years to earn an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. However, some individuals choose a four-year bachelor’s degree program to gain broader knowledge and potentially qualify for higher salaries or specialized roles. If you already hold a degree in a related healthcare field, you can often enter a specialized certification program and finish sooner.
Is Becoming an Ultrasound Technician Hard
The skills required to be an ultrasound technician involve a blend of technical training, human anatomy knowledge, and strong patient interaction. While the coursework can be challenging—covering math and science fundamentals—it tends to be more accessible than lengthier programs for physicians or advanced practice nurses. Many find that the combination of classroom instruction and hands-on labs helps them gain confidence with ultrasound equipment quickly.
What Degree Is Best for Ultrasound Technician
Both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees can prepare you for a successful career in ultrasound technology. If your primary objective is to enter the workforce as soon as possible, an accredited associate’s degree is typically sufficient. Bachelor’s degree holders might have an advantage in competitive hiring markets or leadership opportunities. Ultimately, the choice depends on how much time and resources you wish to invest in your education and career trajectory.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Colorado
Some state-specific programs, such as the one offered at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, may run for 13 months in a structured, in-person format.
This is a 13-month program, with each academic year beginning the first week of August and running through the end of August the following year. All instruction is conducted in person at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora.
Keep in mind that program lengths can vary depending on specific admission requirements and whether you already have prior relevant education.