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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

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

Median salary (BLS)

$96,590

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$68k – $129k

Job outlook

+13% (much faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $93,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

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Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$8,200–$23,000

Time to qualify

2.2 yr

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    National & state licensure

    License

    A national board/registry exam plus a state license application (the NCLEX pattern). Exact exam and fees depend on the role and state.

    $200–$1,000 · 2 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Diagnostic Medical Sonographers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

    Entry / Junior

    $67,820

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

    Established

    $96,590

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

    Senior

    $112,980

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.