Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
Median pay: $96,590/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +13% projected growth, 2024–2034 — much faster than average.
About 5,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
The median pay for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is $96,590 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
Employment for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is projected to change +13% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.
What education is typically required for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
About 5,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.