Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
SOC: 29-2032 O*NET: 29-2032.00
Median Salary
$89,340
per year
Job Growth
🚀 13%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
5.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
What does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$64,760
10th percentile
Early Career
$78,080
25th percentile
Median
$89,340
50th percentile
Experienced
$103,630
75th percentile
Top Earners
$123,170
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$64,760
25th
$78,080
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$89,340
Mean: $92,550
75th
$103,630
90th
$123,170
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $58,410 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $78,080 and $103,630
- •Salary spread is 28.6% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 86,460 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:90,000
Top Industries
Hospitals50.1%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals49.1%
Ambulatory Health Care Services38.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+13%
Annual Openings:5,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)90,000
Current
2034 (Projected)101,700
+13%
+11,700
Employment Change
+13%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Diagnostic Medical Sonographers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
9,240 jobs$120,8400.91x
New York
7,080 jobs$101,9301.32x
Florida
6,560 jobs$81,2401.19x
Texas
6,110 jobs$84,9000.79x
Illinois
3,500 jobs$97,8101.03x
Pennsylvania
3,250 jobs$79,6600.96x
New Jersey
3,160 jobs$99,9401.32x
Michigan
3,090 jobs$80,3001.26x
North Carolina
3,070 jobs$83,4801.12x
Ohio
3,010 jobs$80,9500.97x
Georgia
2,430 jobs$80,2300.89x
Virginia
2,280 jobs$89,4301.00x
Tennessee
2,160 jobs$79,4801.18x
Massachusetts
2,120 jobs$104,1301.04x
Washington
2,060 jobs$107,3601.04x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Social Perceptiveness
94%
#3
Reading Comprehension
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Monitoring
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Time Management
60%
#8
Active Learning
54%
#9
Science
46%
#10
Writing
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Social Perceptiveness
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Time Management
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Learning
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Science
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Writing
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Brokerage Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping82%
5 shared skills
File Clerks73%
5 shared skills
Actors70%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers67%
5 shared skills
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
- →Critical Thinking
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
eClinicalWorks EHR software
🔥 Hot TechMEDITECH software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
eClinicalWorks EHR software
MEDITECH software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
20
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (7)Documentation & Record-Keeping (9)Communication & Coordination (1)Operations & Execution (2)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •35% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value relationships
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.85
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.82
Independence
CriticalIndependence
Importance Level4.70
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.70
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.65
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.62
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.8
Independence
4.7
Integrity
4.7
Concern for Others
4.7
Cooperation
4.6
Stress Tolerance
4.6
Self-Control
4.5
Initiative
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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