According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2008, medical sonographers (also known as ultrasound technicians)were earning between $52,570 and $73,680 a year.This salary range is approximately the same whether the sonographer works in a physicians office versus a hospital or clinic. An Associate degree is typically the highest level of education required of an ultrasound technician, however, a bachelor or master degree in the health sciences or management make it easier for promotions and higher salary.

Looking across the country it can be seen that Medical Sonographers Median Hourly Pay rate is the highest in the state of California by far. The next highest paid Sonographers are in the state of New York, followed by Florida and North Carolina, Georgia, and then Ohio.

On a city level, Dallas Texas boasts the highest paid Sonographers, followed by New York City, then Houston Texas, Orlando Florida, Springfield Massachusetts, then Atlanta Georgia and Cinncinnati Ohio.

As far as certifications are concerned, the Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) definitely outranks other diagnostic Sonographers in wages with an hourly rate between $27.21-$39.03 per hour.

Whether your decision is to be a Cardiac Sonographer, Vascular Technician, or just a general Registered Radiological Sonographer, there is certainly still a demand for these job positions. It would be wise to find out the prerequisites for the school program ahead of time before deciding to pursue this career.