The field of echocardiography is a fairly new one, and as such, the career path is not yet well understood by the general public. If you’re thinking of becoming an echocardiographer, you probably have a lot of questions about the profession – including how much money/pay you can make. In this article, we’ll give you a brief overview of echocardiography and explore how much echocardiographers make in order to set the salary expectations for those considering this career.

 

First thing: What is echocardiography?

Echocardiography is a type of ultrasound imaging that is used to visualize the heart. This imaging modality provides detailed information about the structure and function of the heart, which helps doctors to diagnose and treat cardiac conditions. Echocardiographers are the healthcare professionals who perform echocardiograms and interpret the images.

Echocardiographers must have at least an associate’s degree in order to practice, but most echocardiographers have a bachelors or master’s degree. There are several professional organizations for echocardiographers, such as The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and the National Board of Echocardiography (NBE), which offer certification programs designed to ensure that echocardiographers have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality patient care.

How many years does it take to become an echocardiographer?

The length of training for echocardiographers can vary depending on the specific program and the level of certification pursued. However, most programs can be completed in two to four years. 

After completing an accredited training program, individuals must pass a national certification exam to become a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS). Those who wish to specialize in pediatric echocardiography may pursue additional training and certification.

With experience, echocardiographers may advance to supervisory or management positions. Some may also choose to teach cardiovascular sonography at the collegiate level. 

 

What certification do I need to become an echocardiographer?

For those looking to start a career in echocardiography, certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is required. The ARDMS is the world’s leading organization for sonographers, and their certification is highly respected in the medical community. 

To receive certification, the first step is to take and pass the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) Exam. This comprehensive exam covers all aspects of sonography, from basic physics to patient care. Once the SPI Exam is complete, candidates can then apply to take the ARDMS specialty exams. There are a variety of specialty exams to choose from, depending on the area of echocardiography that you wish to pursue. After passing the specialty exam, candidates will then be issued their ARDMS certification. With this certification in hand, you will be well on your way to securing a rewarding position in echocardiography.

The process of becoming a certified echocardiographer may seem daunting at first, but with timely preparations, it is well within reach. 

 

What is the average echocardiography salary per year?

Most echocardiographers earn between $60,000 to $100,000 per year, with an average salary of $75,952. This field offers a great deal of opportunity for those who want to enter the medical field and specialize in heart health. 

The following are top five US states with the highest paying echocardiography salaries: Washington $115,892, New York $108,079, California $104,454, Idaho $104,130, and New Hampshire $101,735.

An echocardiography salary can range depending on certain factors like location. But overall, echocardiography is a stable and well-paying career option for those interested in helping others maintain heart health.

 

Can echocardiographers specialize in adult or pediatric cardiology?

Many echocardiographers specialize in either adult or pediatric cardiology, but some are trained to work with patients of all ages. Those who wish to specialize in pediatric cardiology may complete additional training and certification through the Pediatric Echo Certification Board. 

The majority of echocardiographers work in hospitals, but some may also work in private clinics, research laboratories or outpatient care centers. 

Does echocardiography salary vary depending on experience, education, and location?

Yes. As with most professions, echocardiographers who have more experience tend to earn more money than those who are just starting out. 

Individuals with advanced degrees or specialized training may be able to command higher salaries than those with only basic training. Those with more experience and higher levels of education tend to earn higher salaries. Those with bachelor’s degrees may earn more than those with associate’s degrees. Similarly, those who have been working in the field for many years may earn more than those who are just starting out. Those who are certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) may also have an advantage when it comes to finding jobs and earning higher salaries. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cardiovascular technologists and technicians earned a median annual salary of $63,610 in 2019. The top 10% of earners made over $86,880 per year, while those in the bottom 10% earned salaries below $43,590. BLS reports that the highest-paid cardiovascular technologists and technicians worked in hospitals in metropolitan areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.  

The type of employer can also have a significant impact on earnings. Hospital-based echocardiography salaries tend to be higher than those in private clinics. 

 

Is echocardiography a good career?

Echocardiography is a rapidly growing field with a high demand for qualified professionals. With the aging population, the number of people with heart disease is expected to increase, which will lead to more opportunities for echocardiographers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cardiovascular technologists, including echocardiographers, is expected to grow by 24 percent between 2016 and 2026. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Echocardiography offers a good work-life balance. Most technologists work full time, but some may work evening or weekend shifts. And while some travel may be required for certain positions, most echocardiographers work in hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities that are close to home. For all these reasons, echocardiography is a great career choice for those interested in the medical field.

 

How much can I earn as an Echocardiographer in 2022?

As of Nov 7, 2022, the average annual pay for an Echocardiography in the United States is $79,766 a year. That is approximately $38.35 an hour, and is equivalent to $1,533/week or $6,647/month. However, we must keep in mind that salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and employer. 

According to various salary aggregate websites, the base salaries for echocardiographers are listed as follows:

$68,103 (Payscale)

$83,107 (ZipRecruiter)

$61,334 (Indeed)

$79,890 (Salary.com)

$109,013 (Glassdoor)

 

What is expected on echocardiography in the next few years?

Anyone looking for a stable and well-paying career in the medical field should consider echocardiography. Job opportunities in this field are expected to grow by 24 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That outpaces the average growth rate for all occupations during that time period. And as the population ages, the demand for echocardiograms is expected to rise as more people develop conditions that can be diagnosed with this ultrasound technology. 

Echocardiographers can find work in hospitals, clinics, and private offices. Many also choose to specialize in a particular area, such as pediatric echocardiography or cardiovascular disease. With the right training and experience, echocardiographers can enjoy a long and rewarding career in a field that is vital to patient care.

 

Conclusion:

Echocardiography is a promising career in the field of cardiovascular health. With an average of $70,000 to $80,000 per year, it is something that one should consider to apply to.

As with any profession, earning potential for an echocardiographer increases with experience. Entry-level salaries are typically lower than those earned by seasoned professionals. Certification from a professional organization like the ASE or NBE may also lead to higher earnings. Those working in larger employers or in more urban areas usually earn more than those working in smaller employers or rural areas. Lastly, salaries tend to be higher in private practices than they are in hospitals or other types of medical facilities.

Echocardiography is a good career to pursue. Training and certification may take 2-4 years, but the opportunity to help others with their heart health, at the same time earning a good salary, will all be worth it.