Ultrasound technology has evolved dramatically over the years. As a result, ultrasound technicians are becoming higher-demand healthcare professionals working in a variety of settings. If you’re considering a career in medical imaging or are already work in the industry and looking into your development, understanding the forces driving growth in this profession can help you make informed decisions and seize the right opportunities.
In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you’d want to know about the job outlook, salary, demand, and trends of ultrasound technician positions.
Table of contents
- Current job market demand
- Facility types and specialties with the highest demand
- Ultrasound tech job outlook
- How much do ultrasound techs make?
- How much do travel ultrasound techs make?
- Expected trends for the field of ultrasound technology
- Career growth opportunities for 2025 and beyond
- How to be successful in the field
Current job market demand
Ultrasound technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system. As the years go by, there continues to be a growing demand for a variety of reasons. These include the rise of the aging population, technological advancements, and the wide range of uses for this technology.
Reasons for the increase in demand
The aging population
As scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements continue, people are living longer than ever before. With an aging population comes a rise in health conditions requiring specialized care, such as cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. Since ultrasound technology plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing these conditions, this makes skilled ultrasound technicians more essential than ever.
Variety of uses
Since ultrasound equipment is used to treat and diagnose a wide range of health-related conditions, many people undergo some form of medical imaging at some point in their lives. Whether it’s needed for radiology, cardiology, obstetrics, and so on, ultrasounds are common to the healthcare system.
Low cost
An upside to having to undergo an ultrasound is its affordability. Unlike CT and MRI scans, which can cost thousands of dollars, ultrasounds are much less expensive. This cost-effectiveness allows healthcare facilities, including doctors’ offices, clinics, and outpatient centers, to more readily offer ultrasound services. Additionally, ultrasound machines are smaller and more versatile than other imaging equipment, which are not only costly but also require significant space. As more healthcare settings adopt ultrasound technology, the demand for skilled ultrasound technicians continues to grow, making their role increasingly vital in modern healthcare.
Where are ultrasound techs in highest demand?
Ultrasound technicians are in particularly high demand in the following states, driven by several factors such as higher costs of living, aging populations, and the need for more specialized ultrasound professionals. If you’re interested in earning a higher salary, you might consider working in a state such as California, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, or Rhode Island. Below you can find the average annual salaries and hourly pay rates for ultrasound techs in these states.
1. California
With an average annual salary of $114,480 in 2025, California pays sonographers the most. This makes the average hourly pay about $55 for ultrasound techs.
2. Hawaii
In Hawaii, ultrasound techs make about $105,850 on average, which brings their hourly pay to about $51.
3. Washington
The third highest paying state for ultrasound techs is Washington. With an average salary of $103,700 and an hourly rate of almost $50, this state is one of the highest paying in 2025.
4. Oregon
Coming in as the fourth highest paying state for sonographers is Oregon with an average salary of $101,850 annually. The hourly rate for this state is about $49.
5. Rhode Island
Fifth on our list is Rhode Island. The average annual salary comes to $96,400, making the hourly rate about $46.
Facility types and specialties with the highest demand
Facility types with the highest demand include:
- Hospitals
- Physician’s offices
- Outpatient care centers
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories
Specialties in demand
The ultrasound tech specialties that have the highest demand include:
- Cardiac
- Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)
- Musculoskeletal
- Vascular
Ultrasound tech job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of ultrasound technologists is projected to grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033, reflecting a strong and sustained demand for ultrasound techs.
Those in search of job security and competitive compensation may find this career path particularly attractive given its positive outlook. In today’s world, stable employment opportunities are increasingly valued, making the field of ultrasound technology a compelling choice for many.
How much do ultrasound techs make?
In 2025, the average salary for an ultrasound technician in the United States is about $82,500 annually.
Many factors can contribute to your annual salary, such as location, facility type, specialty, experience level, and more. If you’re looking to earn higher pay as an ultrasound tech, you might consider relocating, working per diem shifts, choosing a specialty, or working as a traveling ultrasound tech. Speaking of travel ultrasound technicians, let’s dive into their pay structure a bit further.
Looking to take your ultrasound tech career on the road?
Discover the freedom, flexibility, and adventure of becoming a travel ultrasound tech. Read our blog to learn more about the next steps to take!
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