What Diagnostic Medical Sonographers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers this way: "Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas"; "Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required"; "Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort"; "Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis"; "Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is associate's degree.
Job outlook for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 92,200 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 105,100 in 2035, an increase of 12,900 jobs (+13.9%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 6,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $96,590, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Diagnostic Medical Sonographers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $103,758 in New Jersey to $104,340 in New York, a gap of $582 (1.01 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $96,590 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 9,390, which is 51.0% of the 18,410 counted across them. New York follows with 9,020.
Highest-paying states
New York ($104,340) and New Jersey ($103,758) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($103,758) and New York ($104,340) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (29-2000) include Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, Medical Records Specialists and Pharmacy Technicians.
Frequently asked questions about Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
How much do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $96,590. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $103,758 to $104,340.
Which state pays Diagnostic Medical Sonographers the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $104,340. New Jersey is next at $103,758.
Is Diagnostic Medical Sonographers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 13.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 6,000 openings a year.
What education do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers need?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree, according to BLS.