Travel ultrasound techs are medical professionals who operate ultrasound equipment to diagnose medical conditions. They work in a variety of health settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. As travel ultrasound techs, they travel to different locations to provide their services in areas where there is a shortage of qualified personnel. If you are interested in this career, you may be wondering how much you can expect to earn.
Factors Affecting Travel Ultrasound Tech Salaries
Travel ultrasound tech salaries can vary widely based on a number of factors:
Factor | Impact on Salary |
---|---|
Experience | Experienced ultrasound techs command higher salaries |
Location | High-demand areas may pay higher salaries |
Type of Employer | Travel ultrasound techs who work for hospitals or large medical facilities may earn more than those who work for smaller practices or clinics |
Specialization | Ultrasound techs who specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as obstetrics or cardiology, may earn higher salaries |
Average Travel Ultrasound Tech Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers, which includes travel ultrasound techs, was $75,920 as of May 2020. That breaks down to an hourly wage of $36.49. However, salaries can range from $53,790 to $106,870 or more depending on the factors we discussed earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What education is required to become a travel ultrasound tech?
Most employers require a degree or certificate from an accredited ultrasound technology program. These programs typically take 1-4 years to complete and include classroom and clinical training.
Is travel required for travel ultrasound techs?
Yes, travel ultrasound techs must be willing to travel to different locations as part of their job.
What are the job prospects for travel ultrasound techs?
Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers, including travel ultrasound techs, is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the aging baby boomer population and their increased need for diagnostic imaging.
Are there any additional certifications or licenses required to become a travel ultrasound tech?
Some states require ultrasound techs to be licensed, and some employers may prefer or require additional certifications, such as the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Conclusion
If you are considering a career as a travel ultrasound tech, you can expect to earn a competitive salary. Factors such as experience, location, type of employer, and specialization can all impact your salary. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers, including travel ultrasound techs, was $75,920 as of May 2020. With the demand for qualified medical professionals increasing, job prospects for travel ultrasound techs are also looking positive.