Diagnostic medical sonographers
SOC Code: 29-2032Also known as:
Cardiac Sonographer, Cardiovascular Sonographer, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Echo Sonographer (Echocardiograph Sonographer), Echo Tech (Echocardiographic Technician)
Median Annual Salary
$89,340
+13.0% growth (2024-2034)
6K
Openings/Year
90K
Current Jobs
What Diagnostic medical sonographers Do
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
💰 Salary
$89,340
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+13.0%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
6K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
90,000
Projected Employment (2034)
101,700
Related Careers
Radiation therapists
$101,990 •
+1.9% growth
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
$67,260 •
+3.0% growth
Radiologic technologists and technicians
$77,660 •
+4.3% growth
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists
$88,180 •
+7.1% growth
Health technologists and technicians, all other
$48,790 •
+5.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
- Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
- Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
- Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
- Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
- Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
- Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
- Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
- Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Diagnostic medical sonographers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a diagnostic medical sonographers:
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician
7,272 degrees awarded •
321 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Diagnostic medical sonographers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become diagnostic medical sonographers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make?
The median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is $89,340.
What education do diagnostic medical sonographers need?
Most diagnostic medical sonographers positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.
Is becoming diagnostic medical sonographers a good career choice?
Diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to see +13.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 5,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for diagnostic medical sonographers?
Top colleges for aspiring diagnostic medical sonographers include
Grand Valley State University, Washburn University, Monroe College, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, Oregon Institute of Technology.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to diagnostic medical sonographers?
Diagnostic medical sonographers may also be known as: Cardiac Sonographer, Cardiovascular Sonographer, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Echo Sonographer (Echocardiograph Sonographer), Echo Tech (Echocardiographic Technician), Echocardiogram Technician, Echocardiographer, Echocardiographic Technologist, Echocardiography Technician, Echocardiology Technologist, Medical Sonographer, Polysomnographic Technician, Polysomnographic Technologist, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Sonogram Technician, Sonographer, Sonography Technician, Staff Sonographer, Travel OB Ultrasound Tech (Travel Obstetrics Ultrasound Technician).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.