Do you want to become an ultrasound technician working in New Jersey? Before launching your career or changing your job, there’s a lot to consider. We’ve conducted the necessary research for you.
In this article, you’ll find all the info you need about ultrasound tech salaries – from expectations, job growth and the requirements for certification. In addition, you’ll learn how the “Garden State” measures up against other American states.
What is the difference between Ultrasound and Sonography?
It’s important to remember that sonography and ultrasound are the same. If you opt to take medical sonography diagnostic training, you may be an ultrasound medical sonographer or technologist.
This procedure in medicine uses low-impact, high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of tissues, organs, blood vessels and blood flow without incisions.
If a health issue or illness is suspected, the ultrasound scan is typically the first test that doctors request. Sonography can help doctors diagnose many ailments, assess pain symptoms, determine the extent of damage caused by illnesses and help guide the treatment (such as needle or breast biopsies for cancer).
What Does an Ultrasound Technologist Do?
The primary duty of ultrasound technicians is to capture internal body images with the help of high-tech ultrasound equipment. The other aspects associated with this health profession include:
- Patients are prepared for the procedure.
- The maintenance of the ultrasound equipment
- Making sure images and scans are of the highest quality
- The ability to recognize healthy ideas and detect abnormalities
- Presenting findings and recording them for the medical staff
- Working closely with radiologists and doctors to understand the image
What’s an Average Ultrasound Technician Salary in New Jersey?
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median ultrasound tech salary of $72,500 is for all full-time workers. Even the most underpaid 10% of employees can earn $51,000. As is the norm, location significantly influences ultrasound tech salary as outpatient facilities have the highest median earnings.
In New Jersey, the average annual earnings for qualified ultrasound techs is over $77,000 (about $37 an hour).
The Ultrasound Tech Job Market in New Jersey
New Jersey ranks 3rd among states with the highest diagnostic ultrasound jobs. Additionally, New Jersey and New York metropolitan regions have the largest area of employment for ultrasound techs across the nation.
Which States Offer the Best Ultrasound Tech Opportunities?
Although New Jersey falls well above the national average, There are other opportunities within the United States.
There are over 70,000 employed ultrasound technicians across the United States in the United States, and New Jersey employs about 2,600 of them. The five top states that have the most levels of ultrasound techs’ employment are:
- California (6,700)
- Florida (5,300)
- New York (4,000)
- Texas (4,800)
- Illinois (2,900)
Between 2018 and 2028, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in 18,000 jobs in the United States.
Where Can Ultrasound Techs Work?
Local or state-owned hospitals employ the majority of America’s ultrasound technicians (60 percent) however, other locations – such as doctor offices (21 percent) as well as medical and diagnostic laboratories (11 percent) as well as outpatient treatment centers (4 percent) are a good source of work opportunities too.
Ultrasound Tech Salaries Across the US
New Jersey is also one of the states with the highest pay rates for sonographers. But what is the average amount a licensed ultrasound tech earns for other states?
Salaries for the Neighboring States
The average ultrasound tech’s pay for ultrasound techs in New York hovers around $75,000, which is lower than the New Jersey average. Pennsylvania and Delaware are also in the range of $72,200 and $66,400, respectively.
Connecticut offers higher medians; however, the ultrasound techs in Connecticut are earning an impressive $82,300. The state with the highest pay within the Northeast region is Massachusetts and where certified DMS technicians can earn $83,700.
Where Are Ultrasound Techs Paid the Most?
If you’re looking to travel around the country, you’ll be able to find the highest salaries within the Pacific States. Hawaii is the top-paying state in the country in terms of income, with an average of $94,300. It is followed by Alaska ($93,700), California ($92,600) as well as Washington ($87,900). These salaries make DMS sonography among the most lucrative allied health professions available!
States With Lowest Ultrasound Technician Salaries
The South generally has lower salaries for sonography. Alabama is among the lowest DMS tech wages in the nation ($56,450). It’s still one of the least expensive locations to live and purchase homes. Louisiana comes in second place with $60,300, and Mississippi 4th place with $61,200. The only regional anomaly comes from South Dakota, which falls 3rd with the median ultrasound tech’s salary of $60,500.
Steps to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Typically there are three paths to becoming an ultrasound tech: an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree or a certificate course.
There are some differences between the certificate and ultrasound degrees, particularly the duration of time spent studying and the cost. The decision is back to finding the perfect “fit”.
Getting Your Ultrasound Tech Certification
The most awaited path to a career in ultrasound technology is to complete a certification.
The program you select will determine the program you choose for DMS education, which will take 2-3 years. The education will include a clinical internship, in which you’ll gain invaluable experience in a medical environment.
The process of choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide for becoming an ultrasound technician that guides you throughout the procedure.
Ultrasound Technology Certification
When you’ve completed your accredited diagnostic medical sonography course and are certified, you’ll be able to sit for various sonography-related certification tests.
Graduates of an accredited CAAHEP program can sit for certification exams administered at the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Additionally, you’ll be able to sit for the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) test and an Abdomen (AB) as well as the Obstetrics as well as Gynecology (OB/GYN) exams for specialties.
If you can pass the SPI and special exams, you’ll be awarded the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification. Major hospitals and imaging centers employ certified sonographers. Therefore the ARDMS credential is vital.
Climbing the Ultrasound Tech Career Ladder
One of the great things about a career as an ultrasound technician is the wide range of areas you can choose to specialize in. Acquiring certifications and certificates for more than one specialization will provide you with various job possibilities.
A few of the areas sonographers can specialize in are:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Adult Echocardiography
- Neurosonology
- Breast
- Pediatric
- Abdomen
