Why become a travel ultrasound tech?
As a travel ultrasound tech, you could work while traveling the country, earning a higher salary than permanent techs. While the majority of medicine and allied health careers require a long, expensive education, to become a travel ultrasound tech, you only need to earn an associate’s degree to travel the country and earn a six-figure salary.
For those seeking a flexible lifestyle, travel allied health professionals can be a perfect fit, because they chose where and when they work, and how long they work for. Barton Associates offers its travel allied health professionals housing, travel, medical, dental and vision insurance, and a comprehensive 401k plan. They also pay tax as W-2s, so there’s no need to worry about learning how to file taxes as a private contactor.
What is the average sonographer salary? What is the job outlook for ultrasound technicians?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average diagnostic medical sonographer earned $89,020 annually. The bottom 10% earned $63,680 annually, while the top 10% earned $116,300 annually. However, travel allied health professionals earn even more!
The employment of diagnostic medical sonographers will grow 14% from 2022-2032, with employment increasing from 83,800 employed in 2022 to 95,800 employed in 2032. This is compared to an average 3% increase in most jobs during the same 10 years.
What are the highest paying states for ultrasound technicians?
These are the five highest paid states for ultrasound technicians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- California- $112,670
- Hawaii- $111,690
- Oregon- $104,260
- Massachusetts- $101,420
- Connecticut- $99,610
What are the highest paying practice environments?
Wages for ultrasound techs vary by practice environment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics records salaries by practice environment, and the percentage of sonographers working in different types of practice environments.
1.Outpatient care centers: $122,380
Despite it being the highest paid practice environment, only 4% of sonographers work in outpatient care centers.
- Hospitals: $84,720
The majority of sonographers—56%—work in hospitals, and earn a similar salary to ultrasound techs in other practice environments.
- Office of physicians: $83,730
Almost a quarter of sonographers—24% —work in a physician’s office, and make roughly the same as sonographers working in hospitals.
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $81,330
Only 10% of diagnostic medical sonographers work in laboratories, which has below average pay compared to the average sonographer.
How to become an ultrasound technician, and how long does it take?
There are a few different paths available to aspiring sonographers, and it can take 1-4 years from the end of high school to start working as a sonographer.
- Associate’s degree accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs): 2 years
- While sonography is not a widely offered degree, check out these associate’s degree programs available in the US.
- Certification program done through the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers): 1-2 years
- You can also choose to get certified online, which is often the fastest way to become an ultrasound tech.
- Bachelor’s degree accredited by CAAHEP: 4 years
- Bachelor’s degrees are also available for those looking for a traditional college experience.
Work with Barton
Looking for a job as a travel ultrasound technician? Check out our open jobs today!