By: BLS.gov

Job Description
Diagnostic medical sonographers use special equipment to direct nonionizing, high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient’s body. Sonographers operate the equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician.

Median Salary
$59,860

Education Requirements
Diagnostic medical sonography is an occupation where there is no preferred level of education and several avenues of education are widely accepted by employers. Although no level of education is preferred, employers do prefer sonographers who trained in accredited programs and who are registered. Sonographers may train in hospitals, vocational-technical institutions, or colleges.

Job Outlook
Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow faster than average. Job opportunities should be favorable because, as the population ages, there will be greater demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology. Additional job growth is expected as sonography becomes an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures, as patients seek safer treatment methods.