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More than 59 percent of all ultrasound or diagnostic medical sonographer technicians work for hospitals. Others are employed in physicians' offices, diagnostic imaging clinics and laboratories, or with extended care facilities. Employers also tend to favor graduates of formal training programs. The average ultrasound technician salary is based on a number of variables that include:

• Level of training
• Experience
• Type of care facility
• Certifications
• Location of practice

Evaluating the Ultrasound Technician Salary in the United States

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 80 percent of the nation's ultrasound techs earned between $43,990 to $85,950, with a median annual wage of $63,010, or $30.30 per hour. The highest concentration of ultrasound personnel is in the states of Florida, Connecticut, New Mexico, Alabama, and Rhode Island. The states offering the top 2009 ultrasound technician salaries (hourly and annually) were:

• Massachusetts: $37.72/$78,460
• Oregon: $37.65/$78,320
• Colorado: $37.20/$77,380
• Washington: $37.01/$76,980
• Alaska: $36.30/$75,500

Three of the five highest-paying metropolitan areas for the profession in 2009 were in California, according to the BLS. The top U.S. city areas offering the best ultrasound technician salary were:

• Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA: $46.89/$97,530
• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $44.56/$92,680
• Worcester, MA-CT: $43.48/$90,440
• Boulder, CO: $40.28/$83,790
• Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA: $39.97/$83,130

Certifications may positively impact earnings. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certifies each professional who passes its exam as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers examinations leading to certification credentials in breast and vascular sonography.