Have you ever considered a career as a sonographer? If you have ever considered being a sonographer, but are wondering if sonography is a good career choice for you. Worry not!
In this article, you will learn about the role of a sonographer, career growth projections, and a sonographer’s income. This article will also answer your question, is sonography a good career choice for you in 2024?
What Is Sonography?
Sonography is a diagnostic medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves, also called an ultrasound, that reflects off body structures to produce images. Sonography is commonly used to study fetal development.
A sonographer’s duties include a small device, called a transducer, placed on the patient’s skin near the body part to be imaged. They are also responsible for creating diagnostic images of various anatomical structures for interpretation by clinicians.
Where Do Sonographers Work?
Generally, a sonographer’s career path is diverse and has many advancement opportunities. Generally, they can earn specialty certifications to advance in their career. Sonography professionals can work in a variety of settings, most of which depend upon their area of expertise.
Following is the list of the most common work environments for sonographers:
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals.
- Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories.
- Offices of Physicians.
Is Sonography a Good Career Choice?
Sonography is one of the highest-paying jobs achievable with a two-year degree. Presently, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers rank in the 1st position in the Best Health Care Support Jobs.
As of now, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of sonographers growth of 10 percent is projected from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Considering the senior population’s increase, the industry’s growth will continue to pave the way for many job opportunities for sonographers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth of 15 percent from 2021 to 2031.
| Occupational Title | Employment (2021) | Projected Employment (2031) | Change Between 2021-2031(Percentage) | Change Between 2021-2031(Numeric) |
| Diagnostic medical sonographers | 82,300 | 94,400 | 15 | 12,100 |
On average over 10 years, about 10,100 sonographer vacancies are expected each year. It is expected that many of these vacancies will arise in relation to retirement and the need to move to another job or replace a worker leaving the workforce.
Employment growth also provides job security, which is an important factor to consider when starting a career. A more stable job could help you get through a recession more easily.
When considering sonography as your career option, you might have questions, like ‘Is sonography a good career choice?’ and ‘How much will you get paid as a sonographer?’ Continue reading to learn more about a sonographer’s salary.
SONOGRAPHERS SALARY
The most important factor we consider when considering a job is the salary you can earn in that job. Sonography is a career that is in high demand.
The average salary a sonographer makes is approximately $36.24 per hour, as of May 2021. Salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, and industry education.
As of May 2021. The average annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers was $77,740. The lowest 10% earned less than $59,640, while the highest 10% earned more than $101,650.
The average annual salary as of May 2021 for sonographers who worked in the top industries are as follows:
| INDUSTRY | ANNUAL SALARY |
| Outpatient care centers | $100,990 |
| Hospitals: state, local, and private | $77,770 |
| Offices of physicians | $77,760 |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | $76,430 |
The annual salary increases as you gain experience and advance in your career as a sonographer. Specialization certificates related to sonographers also help to advance to higher positions in the industry.
BEST-PAYING STATES FOR SONOGRAPHERS
The states that pay the highest salaries for the profession of diagnostic medical ultrasound technicians are:
- California.
- Hawaii.
- Alaska.
- Rhode Island.
HOW TO GET A JOB AS A SONOGRAPHER
Getting a job as a sonographer is as equally important as planning a career in sonography. Here are some of the procedures to complete before getting a job.
- Currently employed healthcare professionals can enroll in a one-year certificate or diploma program that complements their existing training.
- Non-medical students choose from a two-year or four-year program depending on their career goals.
- An associate’s degree in diagnostic medical ultrasound examination usually takes two years and is the most common way to obtain ultrasound certification.
- Choose a school or program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) to ensure that your program provides hands-on, comprehensive training and financial aid, as well as empowers students to receive certificates.
- Once your education is complete, it’s time to earn your certification and get into your job.
Wrapping Up
Meanwhile choosing to work in the healthcare industry is one of the best career choices you can ever make. Considering a career in the field of sonography is always a good choice.
The industry is stable and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts job growth. If you are confused if, whether sonography is a good career choice, we hope this article has helped you choose your career as a sonographer.
If you are passionate about becoming a sonographer, you can start by preparing for the SPI exam, using our free SPI practice test can help you prepare for the certification exams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHAT DOES A SONOGRAPHER DO?
Sonographers are specialized in creating images, known as sonograms or ultrasounds. They prepare patients for procedures by taking a patient history and answering patients’ questions about the procedure.
They are responsible for applying gel that helps sound waves show inside the body. After completing the procedures they should present the sonograms and preliminary findings to the physicians.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A SONOGRAPHER?
Currently employed healthcare professionals can enroll in a one-year certificate or diploma program that complements their existing training. Non-medical students choose from a two-year or four-year program depending on their career goals.
Choose a school or program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) to ensure that your program provides hands-on, comprehensive training, and financial aid, as well as empowers students to receive certificates.
WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED FOR A SONOGRAPHER?
Those in this profession need a combination of interpersonal skills, and technical knowledge to operate the equipment. Following are some of the skills:
- Communication.
- Technical competency.
- Physical ability.
- Mental strength.
IS BEING A SONOGRAPHER WORTH IT?
Sonography is a stable career path. The demand for sonographers is high and is also expected to have good employment growth over the next few years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth of 15% from 2021 to 2031.
