How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Capture the ultrasound images physicians rely on to see inside the body, from cardiac studies to prenatal care. It typically requires an associate degree, with a median salary of $96,590 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$96,590/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
5,800
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Ultrasound Imaging
- Patient Positioning
- Anatomy
- Monitoring
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- RDMS (ARDMS Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
null/100
Work-life balance
null/100
Stress level
null/100
Satisfaction
null/100
Related careers
- Psychiatrist$281,870 median
- Physician (Family Medicine)$244,180 median
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)$236,590 median
- Dentist$170,950 median
- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer make?
The median pay for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is $96,590 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
The usual entry point is an associate degree. Common majors are Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiologic Sciences, and Health Sciences.
Is Diagnostic Medical Sonographer a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 5,800 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer use most?
Common skills for this role are Ultrasound Imaging, Patient Positioning, Anatomy, Monitoring, and Communication.
Planning to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
Save this career to your PlanexAI path and track the majors, courses, and milestones that lead to it.
Not sure this is right for you?
Take our free 2-minute quiz to match your interests to majors and careers.
Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.