The ultrasound scanner is one technology sonographers use with patients.
Sonography uses sound waves to create an image for physicians to use when making a medical diagnosis. For example, sonographers use ultrasound technology to monitor the condition of a baby during pregnancy and to produce images used to diagnose conditions in other areas of the body. The average salary for a medical sonographer is between $46,880 and $68,370 as of November 2010, according to PayScale.
Experience
Medical sonographers salaries increase with experience on the job. Sonographers with 20 years or more in the position can earn a salary between $60,594 and $81,077 per year while those with less than a year on the job earn between $35,000 and $50,563, according to PayScale. Sonographers must select the appropriate equipment and position for patients to achieve the best results. The experience the medical sonographer gains on the job in helping patients feel comfortable with the process and getting the best results for physicians makes these workers a valuable asset to the employer.
Location
The location a medical sonographer works in can play a role in her annual salary. The cost of living is different in various areas of the country, which can dramatically change the average annual salary. For example, the average yearly salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer in New York is $80,000 while the average salary in Nevada is $64,000. The cost of living in Las Vegas, Nevada is 80 percent lower than living in New York City while employers in Las Vegas usually pay 14.7 percent lower wages than those in New York City, according to My Salary. Considering the cost of living and difference in annual pay helps medical sonographers determine the ideal location to live and work.
Type of Employer
Medical sonographers can work in a hospital, private practice or for a government agency, which can factor into the annual salary the professional earns. Sonographers working for a private practice earn the highest salaries, between $47,987 and $66,564 per year, and those working in hospitals earn salaries between $39,754 and $60,739, as of November 2010, according to PayScale.
Benefits
Medical sonographers earn benefits along with salary. The benefits a private practice firm or hospital provides to workers attract skilled professionals to the position. According to PayScale, sonographers earn benefits such as 401k plans, paid sick time, paid vacations, medical insurance and education reimbursement.
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