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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Median Salary
84,470
Job Outlook
+11%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

61%

Private not for profit

30%

State and local government

4%

Self-employed

3%

Federal Government

2%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,400 openings for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$22,350

10%

$84,470

Median

$119,120

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Associate's degree

    47%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    19%

  • Bachelor's degree

    16%

  • First professional degree

    16%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Psychology
  • Administrative
  • Physics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.