North Carolina Ultrasound Tech Salary Guide

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As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, the demand for skilled medical professionals, including ultrasound technologists, has never been higher. In North Carolina, ultrasound techs play a vital role in diagnosing and treating medical conditions, making them an essential part of the healthcare team. If you're considering a career as an ultrasound technologist in North Carolina, one of the most important factors to consider is salary.

North Carolina Ultrasound Tech Salary Overview

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers, including ultrasound technologists, in North Carolina was $68,750 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and industry.

Salary by Location

Salaries for ultrasound technologists in North Carolina can vary depending on the location. Cities with a higher cost of living, such as Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, tend to offer higher salaries to compensate for the increased cost of living.

• Charlotte, NC: $73,490
• Raleigh-Durham, NC: $71,490
• Greensboro, NC: $67,490
• Winston-Salem, NC: $66,490
• Wilmington, NC: $65,490

Salary by Industry

Ultrasound technologists can work in a variety of industries, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Salaries can vary depending on the industry and type of employer.

• Hospitals: $70,490
• Outpatient care centers: $68,490
• Physician offices: $66,490
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $65,490
• Colleges and universities: $63,490

Salary by Experience

As with most careers, experience plays a significant role in determining salary for ultrasound technologists. More experienced technologists tend to earn higher salaries.

• Entry-level (0-2 years of experience): $55,490
• Mid-level (2-5 years of experience): $65,490
• Experienced (5-10 years of experience): $75,490
• Senior-level (10+ years of experience): $85,490

North Carolina Ultrasound Tech Education and Training

To become an ultrasound technologist in North Carolina, you'll need to complete a formal education program in diagnostic medical sonography. These programs are typically offered at the associate's or bachelor's degree level and include coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and sonography principles.

Programs in North Carolina

Here are some colleges and universities in North Carolina that offer programs in diagnostic medical sonography:

• Alamance Community College (Graham, NC)
• Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (Hudson, NC)
• Forsyth Technical Community College (Winston-Salem, NC)
• Guilford Technical Community College (Jamestown, NC)
• Pitt Community College (Winterville, NC)

North Carolina Ultrasound Tech Certification and Licensure

While certification is not required to work as an ultrasound technologist in North Carolina, it's highly recommended. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers certification in various specialties, including abdominal sonography, cardiac sonography, and obstetric and gynecologic sonography.

Steps to Certification

To become certified as an ultrasound technologist in North Carolina, follow these steps:

1. Graduate from a formal education program in diagnostic medical sonography.
2. Pass the ARDMS certification exam in your chosen specialty.
3. Maintain certification through ongoing education and professional development.

Conclusion

Ultrasound technologists play a vital role in the healthcare industry, and North Carolina offers a range of opportunities for those interested in this field. By understanding the salary ranges, education and training requirements, and certification and licensure processes, you can make an informed decision about your career as an ultrasound technologist in North Carolina.