Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.
Also called: ARRT Technologist (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Technologist), Cardiac Cath Lab Tech (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technician), Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technologist), Cardiac Catheterization Special Procedures Technologist, Cardiac Catheterization Technician, Cardiac Catheterization Technologist
Median pay
$74,310
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$39,000 – $121,350
People employed
62,960
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 3.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 4.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 6.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians salary in every state →
What cardiovascular technologists and technicians do
- 01Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
- 02Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities.
- 03Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
- 04Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- 05Observe ultrasound display screen and listen to signals to record vascular information, such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, or cerebral circulation.
- 06Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from cardiovascular technologists and technicians
- Radiation Therapists93% · +42%
- Respiratory Therapists92% · +11%
- Surgical Assistants78% · −10%
- Physical Therapist Assistants73% · −8%
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians70% · group pay
Change into cardiovascular technologists and technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Respiratory Therapists92% · $82,280
- Phlebotomists86% · $45,230
- Endoscopy Technicians84% · $48,430
- Medical Assistants84% · $45,690
- Surgical Assistants84% · $66,800
Majors that lead here
- Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist
- Electrocardiograph Technology/Technician
- Perfusion Technology/Perfusionist
- Cardiopulmonary Technology/Technologist
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.