An ultrasound image can be an exciting moment for an expectant mother.
The ultrasound imaging procedure is often associated with fetal ultrasounds, but this imaging technique is also useful for diagnostics in the cardiovascular and nervous systems, abdominal organs and in other applications. Connecticut has a large number of ultrasound technicians per capita, and is characterized by high pay for these health care workers.
Employment
Of the approximately 51,600 ultrasound technicians working in the United States in 2009, about 1,000 were employed in Connecticut, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Connecticut, in fact, had the second-highest concentration of these workers per capita by state, second only to Florida. New Haven had the most ultrasound technicians per capita by metro area, with an estimated 380 working there in 2009.
Salary Range
Ultrasound technicians in Connecticut had an average salary of $35.41 per hour as of 2009, or $73,660 per year, finds the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was about 14 percent higher than the nationwide average for this occupation of $63,640 per year. The middle 50 percent of Connecticut ultrasound technicians were earning about $61,700 to $85,400 per year. Only the bottom 10 percent had salaries below $51,900, and the top 10 percent had pay rates over $100,000 per year.
Location
Salaries for ultrasound technicians in Connecticut vary by location. Ultrasound techs in the Hartford metro area were earning $69,090 annually on average in 2009; in New Haven, $75,000; in Danbury, $76,180; and in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk area, $76,770. The New Haven, Danbury and Bridgeport metropolitan areas all ranked in the top 25 percent nationwide for ultrasound technician salaries.
Highest-Paying Area
Although New Haven did not have the highest average pay in the state for ultrasound technicians, its top 25 and top 10 percent figures were higher than in other areas. The top 25 percent of ultrasound technicians in New Haven were earning at least $89,220 per year, and the top 10 percent $105,560 and higher.
Job Openings
Ultrasound technicians are needed to work in Connecticut hospitals, medical centers, vein clinics, cardiac units and obstetrics departments, as indicated by job listings at Indeed.com in 2011. Connecticut employers typically require the candidate to have graduated from an accredited program of ultrasound technology with an associate or bachelor's degree, and to be registered with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Although the employers typically do not divulge salary information, some list benefits they provide. Examples of benefits include medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance; long-term and short-term disability coverage; life insurance; a 401(k) savings plan; and paid time off.
Tags: ultrasound technicians, were earning, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, employers typically, Haven Danbury
