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Explore how your diagnostic imaging skills can make a big impact in healthcare while boosting your earnings. In this guide, Vivian Health breaks down the ultrasound specialties that are in high demand and offer the best sonographer salaries. Ready to take your career to the next level? Check out the 10 top-paying sonography specializations for 2025 and see how your training and expertise can pay off.
Top 10 Paying Sonographer and Ultrasound Tech Specialties
Sonography is a specialized field where skilled technologists create ultrasound images that help healthcare teams diagnose and treat patients. As your experience in diagnostic imaging grows, so does your potential to earn a higher ultrasound tech salary. While location, facility, professional certifications and other factors influence your pay, your chosen specialty often plays the most significant role in determining your sonographer salary. This curated list highlights the highest-paying sonography specialties based on Vivian’s salary data in January 2025.
1. Pediatric Ultrasound Technologist
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree or Certificate-Based Program
- Relevant Certifications: RDMS – PS
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $3,031
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,199
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $41
- Average Annual Staff Salary: $85,280
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $62
A pediatric ultrasound technologist specializes in performing ultrasounds on children ranging from newborns to adolescents. They capture detailed images of organs, tissues and blood vessels, helping to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions younger patients face. Their work involves creating a child-friendly environment, explaining procedures in an age-appropriate manner and ensuring the comfort and cooperation of both the child and their family during the exam. Collaborating closely with pediatricians, they play a vital role in providing accurate diagnostic information that guides treatment plans.
2. Adult Echocardiographer
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree or Certificate-Based Program
- Relevant Certifications: RDCS – AE
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,951
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,105
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $41
- Average Annual Staff Salary: $85,280
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $62
An adult echocardiographer specializes in using ultrasound technology to assess the structure and function of the heart in adults. They produce detailed images of the heart, including its chambers, valves and blood vessels. Their work involves conducting tests to evaluate heart health, identify abnormalities and monitor existing cardiac conditions. Responsibilities include preparing patients for procedures, capturing accurate images and providing critical data to assist cardiologists in diagnosing and treating heart-related issues.
3. Pediatric Echocardiographer
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree or Certificate-Based Program
- Relevant Certifications: RDCS – PE
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,878
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,820
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $41
- Average Annual Staff Salary: $85,280
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $81
A pediatric echocardiographer uses echocardiography to assess heart function and structures in infants, children and teens. They operate advanced ultrasound equipment to capture detailed images of young hearts, helping to identify congenital heart defects, heart disease or other abnormalities. Their role involves preparing and positioning pediatric patients to ensure comfort and clear imaging, analyzing echocardiographic data and working closely with pediatric cardiologists to support accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Their expertise is essential for the early detection and care of heart conditions in children.
4. Fetal Echocardiographer
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree or Certificate-Based Program
- Relevant Certifications: RDMS – FE
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,488
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,450
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $41
- Average Annual Staff Salary: $85,280
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $62
A fetal echocardiographer specializes in using ultrasound technology to evaluate the hearts of unborn babies, focusing on detecting and assessing congenital heart defects before birth. They utilize advanced imaging equipment to create detailed views of the fetal heart, examining its structure, rhythm and function within the womb. Their responsibilities include preparing the expectant mother for the procedure, capturing clear and accurate cardiac images and analyzing the results to provide critical insights into the baby’s heart health. Fetal echocardiographers collaborate closely with obstetricians and pediatric cardiologists to ensure precise diagnoses and support early intervention planning.
5. Echocardiographer
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree or Certificate-Based Program
- Relevant Certifications: RDCS – AE / RDMS – FE / RDCS – PE
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,484
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,408
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $58
- Average Annual Staff Salary: $120,640
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $86
An echocardiographer is a specialized healthcare professional who uses ultrasound to create detailed heart images. They assess the heart’s structure, function and blood flow to help diagnose valve disorders, heart disease, congenital defects and other similar conditions. Their role includes preparing patients, operating imaging equipment and collaborating with cardiologists to provide critical diagnostic data. Echocardiographers are essential in evaluating and monitoring heart health, contributing to the relatively high average cardiac sonographer salary in full-time staff roles.
6. Echo-Vascular Sonographer
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree or Certificate-Based Program
- Relevant Certifications: RDMS – RVT / RDCS – AE / RCS (CCI)
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,464
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,358
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $36
- Average Annual Staff Salary: $75,795
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $49
An echo-vascular sonographer is trained in both echocardiography (imaging the heart) and vascular sonography (imaging the circulatory system), providing expertise in two key areas of diagnostic ultrasound. They perform tests to identify heart conditions and vascular issues, such as blockages or blood clots. Their role includes preparing and positioning patients, operating the equipment to capture high-quality images and analyzing these images to deliver vital information to physicians for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases. Echo-vascular sonographers collaborate closely with cardiologists.
7. Registered Ultrasound Technologist
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree or Certificate-Based Program
- Relevant Certifications: RDMS – AB / SPI (ARDMS) / S (AART)
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $2,426
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $4,562
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $51
- Average Annual Staff Salary: $106,080
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $79
A registered ultrasound technologist, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a generalist in using ultrasound technology. They create detailed images of internal organs, tissues and blood flow to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions. Their role includes preparing patients for procedures, operating advanced sonographic equipment and ensuring the quality of the images captured. Registered ultrasound technologists work across various specialties, such as abdominal, obstetric, vascular or cardiac imaging. They adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of each patient.
8. Vascular Sonographer
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree or Certificate-Based Program
- Relevant Certifications: VS (AART)
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $54
- Average Annual Staff Salary: $112,944
A vascular sonographer specializes in using ultrasound technology to evaluate the circulatory system, including arteries and veins. They perform diagnostic exams to detect and assess conditions such as blood clots, blockages, aneurysms or poor blood flow. Their responsibilities include preparing patients, capturing high-quality images and analyzing results to provide essential information for diagnosing and treating vascular disorders. Vascular sonographers play a crucial role in the early detection and management of vascular health issues, contributing to their lucrative average staff vascular sonographer salary.
9. Breast Sonographer
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree or Certificate-Based Program
- Relevant Certifications: BS (AART)
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $53
- Average Annual Staff Salary: $110,240
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $86
A breast sonographer specializes in imaging breast tissue to assist in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as cysts, tumors or abnormalities. They use high-frequency ultrasound equipment to produce detailed images that provide critical insights into breast health. Their responsibilities include preparing patients, performing accurate and thorough scans and collaborating with radiologists and other healthcare providers to ensure precise diagnoses and treatment plans. Breast sonographers play an important role in early detection and ongoing management of breast-related conditions.
10. Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonographer
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree or Certificate-Based Program
- Relevant Certifications: RDMS – OB-GYN
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $48
- Average Annual Staff Salary: $99,840
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $74
An obstetrics and gynecology sonographer specializes in using ultrasound technology to assess and monitor the health of the female reproductive system and developing fetuses during pregnancy. They perform imaging exams to evaluate conditions affecting the uterus, ovaries and other pelvic structures, and track fetal growth, development and overall health. Their role includes preparing patients, capturing high-quality images and providing critical information to obstetricians and gynecologists for diagnosis and care planning. OB/GYN sonographers play a key role in women’s health and prenatal care.
Explore Sonography Careers in Allied Health
When determining whether sonography fits your career aspirations, it’s helpful to consider more than just sonography salaries. We discuss what sonographers do, the training pathway to jobs in this field and the growth prospects for this profession in the coming years to help you make an informed decision.
The Role of Sonographers
Sonography, or ultrasound, is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal structures of the body, such as muscles, tendons, blood vessels, organs and fetuses during pregnancy. A transducer sends sound waves into the body, and as they bounce back from tissues, the echoes are captured and converted into real-time images by a computer. Unlike X-rays, sonography doesn’t use ionizing radiation, making it a safer option for fetal monitoring and soft tissue examinations. After performing scans, sonographers work with doctors to analyze images for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Becoming a Sonographer
Typically, becoming a sonographer involves several steps, focusing on education, training and certification. You may need more advanced coursework or professional certification based on your specialty. However, the following offers the general requirements to enter this field.
- Education: Most sonographers obtain an Associate Degree of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from an accredited program. Most are two-year programs, but some offer flexible, longer-duration programs for full-time workers. Alternatively, getting into sonography via a shorter-duration certificate-based program is possible. However, this avenue is usually pursued by those with previous training in another medical field. Some sonographers opt for a bachelor’s degree, which provides a more in-depth education and can enhance career opportunities.
- Clinical Experience: During their educational program, students must complete clinical rotations that provide hands-on experience in a medical setting under the supervision of experienced sonographers. This experience allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
- Certification and Specialization: After completing their education, graduates typically pursue allied health certification from organizations like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Sonographers can specialize in specific body organs or patient populations, such as the 10 specialties mentioned above. Certification, which usually requires you to pass a thorough knowledge exam, isn’t mandatory everywhere but is highly regarded and sometimes required by employers.
This career path requires in-depth technical skills and medical knowledge. You also need strong interpersonal skills, as sonographers work directly with patients who may be in stressful medical situations.
RELATED: How to Become a Sonography Technician
Average Sonographer Salaries
Sonographer and ultrasound tech salaries tend to be well above the national average due to the skills involved and the high demand in the field, which is set to grow substantially in the coming years. According to research published by the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine in March 2024, the number of ultrasound exams in the U.S. increased by 55% between 2011 and 2021. During the same time frame, the number of sonographers grew slower, at 44%, from 54,760 to 78,640.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for sonographers will grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average job growth of all occupations. This growth puts sonography among the fastest-growing allied health careers and the top 10 highest-paying allied health specialties.
Find Top-Paying Sonography Jobs with Vivian
Vivian Health has you covered when it comes to finding jobs in sonography or other medical imaging fields across the U.S. Get started with our job search feature and start pursuing a rewarding career today.
Salary Note: Travel and staff salary estimates for most roles come from the average of all jobs within each field posted to Vivian Health by health systems and staffing agencies. However, staff salaries for echocardiographer, vascular sonographer, breast sonographer and OB-GYN sonographer roles come from ZipRecruiter. We assessed salary data during the week of January 13, 2025.
Editor Note: This blog post was originally published in 2024 and has been updated annually to reflect the most recent data. The sonography specialties currently listed were the highest-paying as of this publication and are subject to change.
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Thank you for this article reporting on salary trends. I just came across it last night and was able to use it the next morning. A hiring manager had sent me a msg asking what I was thinking in terms of agency contract for this facility only 90 miles away from my permanent residence. The question that came up in my efforts to reply smartly to her message was that my pedi echo and adult echo vascular 17 yrs experience may be around $70/hr, isn’t that for the traveler who may be furthest away from the client facility? Doesn’t the allowable stipend increase with distance? My reply was that the top of the range was around $70, but I’d be open to a counter considering how far away we are.