How to become diagnostic medical sonographerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$96,590
25th–75th pct. $80,430–$106,930
Top pay (est.)
$168,200
Top 10% $129,370
Pay in 5 years
$114,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$136,200est.
$117,200–$158,200
Outlook score
66/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
38%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+13.9%
6,000 openings / yr
How to become diagnostic medical sonographers
Typical education
Associate's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeAssisting and Caring for OthersHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesDocumenting/Recording InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsProcessing Information
Important abilities
Oral ExpressionNear VisionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as diagnostic medical sonographers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.