Sonographers can specialize in multiple areas and registering with a professional certifying body, such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), increases their employability. Ultrasound technicians' job prospects are excellent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, ultrasound technicians' salaries in Texas are, on average, 5 percent lower in job postings than postings in other areas of the country, according to Indeed.com. The mean national average for diagnostic medical sonographers, into which category ultrasound technicians fit, as of May 2009 was $63,640, and the mean hourly wage was $30.60.
Annual Salary
Ultrasound technicians in Texas make, on average, $54,000 as of December 2010, according to Indeed.com. Diagnostic medical sonographers work 40 hours a week usually, though some work overtime, and some may have to be on call. About 59 percent of diagnostic medical sonographers work in hospitals, and the rest work in doctors' offices, outpatient clinics and other medical facilities.
Metro Areas Annual Salaries
Ultrasound technologists in Dallas in the 25th percentile make $60,666 per year, and those in the 75th percentile make $72,448, according to Salary.com. Those in Houston in the 25th percentile make $61,284, and those in the 75th percentile make $73,185. Those in the 25th percentile in El Paso make $52,828 per year, and those in the 75th earn $63,087.
Metro Areas Hourly Wages
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Texas make, on average, $29.32 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' data from 2009. In San Antonio, the mean hourly wage is $29.33, and in El Paso it is $27.36. In Houston, the average hourly rate is $28.91, and in Lubbock, it is $28.95.
Continuing Education
Texas does not require ultrasound technicians to complete any continuing education courses as it does not license them. However, if you have the RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) credential from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), you must complete 30 continuing medical education credits every three years to maintain your credential. Having this credential can increase your salary potential.
Where to Work
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, general and surgical hospitals paid diagnostic medical sonographers an average annual salary of $63,770 as of 2009. In doctors' offices, it was $63,820, and in medical and diagnostic laboratories it was $61,820. The annual average salary in outpatient care centers was $64,560, and colleges, universities and professional schools paid diagnostic medical sonographers the highest average salary at $66,250 per year.
Tags: medical sonographers, percentile make, 25th percentile, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonographers, Labor Statistics
