Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
Also called: Cardiovascular Sonographer, Echo Sonographer (Echocardiograph Sonographer), Echo Tech (Echocardiogram Technician), Echo Tech (Echocardiographic Technician), Echocardiographer, Echocardiographic Technologist
Median pay
$96,590
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$67,820 – $129,370
People employed
90,160
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
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.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 4.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 5.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What diagnostic medical sonographers do
- 01Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation.
- 02Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- 03Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
- 04Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
- 05Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
- 06Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Physics
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
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 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- A professional certification is often expected.
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 diagnostic medical sonographers
- Radiation Therapists89% · +9%
- Respiratory Therapists80% · −15%
- Surgical Assistants71% · −31%
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians69% · group pay
- Critical Care Nurses64% · group pay
Change into diagnostic medical sonographers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Radiation Therapists89% · $105,310
- Endoscopy Technicians79% · $48,430
- Respiratory Therapists79% · $82,280
- Surgical Assistants76% · $66,800
- Dental Hygienists74% · $98,100
Majors that lead here
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.