What Do Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Do?
Job Description & Duties Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.
Life As a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
- Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
- Clean, check, and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary.
- 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.
- Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
Featured schools near , edit
Qualities of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
When polled, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Polysomnographic Technologist
- Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
- Ultrasound Technician (Ultrasound Tech)
- Medical Sonographer
- Ultrasound Technologist (Ultrasound Tech)
Are There Job Opportunities for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 67,300 jobs in the United States for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 23.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 15,600 new jobs for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer by 2026. There will be an estimated 5,400 positions for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer per year.

The states with the most job growth for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer are Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Illinois, or Connecticut. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Make?
The salary for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers ranges between about $51,430 and $100,480 a year.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers who work in Hawaii, Alaska, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $56,450 |
Alaska | $93,740 |
Arizona | $83,320 |
Arkansas | $63,140 |
California | $92,660 |
Colorado | $83,430 |
Connecticut | $82,370 |
Delaware | $72,230 |
District of Columbia | $90,860 |
Florida | $65,830 |
Georgia | $61,960 |
Hawaii | $94,350 |
Idaho | $80,330 |
Illinois | $76,700 |
Indiana | $68,970 |
Iowa | $68,960 |
Kansas | $72,020 |
Kentucky | $65,790 |
Louisiana | $60,360 |
Maine | $78,220 |
Maryland | $75,270 |
Massachusetts | $83,780 |
Michigan | $61,130 |
Minnesota | $80,390 |
Mississippi | $61,200 |
Missouri | $73,920 |
Montana | $76,700 |
Nebraska | $64,200 |
Nevada | $76,220 |
New Hampshire | $79,680 |
New Jersey | $77,110 |
New Mexico | $63,840 |
New York | $74,960 |
North Carolina | $66,850 |
North Dakota | $70,950 |
Ohio | $65,840 |
Oklahoma | $68,900 |
Oregon | $86,380 |
Pennsylvania | $66,470 |
Rhode Island | $84,990 |
South Carolina | $65,870 |
South Dakota | $60,500 |
Tennessee | $64,080 |
Texas | $71,580 |
Utah | $75,070 |
Vermont | $78,210 |
Virginia | $74,390 |
Washington | $87,960 |
West Virginia | $61,740 |
Wisconsin | $83,670 |
Wyoming | $66,090 |
What Tools & Technology do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Diagnostic Medical Sonographers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- MEDITECH software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Calendar and scheduling software
How do I Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Work

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |