Ultrasound technician (ultrasound tech) and diagnostic medical sonographer (sonographer) are very similar careers and are typically used to describe the same or very similar programs of study in Washington (WA).
For the purpose of this guide, we shall use the terms ultrasound tech schools in Washington and sonography schools in Washington interchangeably.
Below you will find information on requirements to become an ultrasound tech in Washington as well as details on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Washington
Ultrasound techs in Washington will typically have earned either a 2-year associate’s degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, followed by certification from a recognized certifying body.
Accredited Ultrasound Tech Schools in Washington
Ultrasound tech schools in Washington are accredited by the CAAHEP.
Accreditation confirms that a school delivers a high level of quality education ensuring that students are well prepared for certification and entry into the healthcare field as an ultrasound technician.
There are currently 4 accredited ultrasound tech schools in Washington.
[table “” not found /]Most schools offer either an associate’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 2 years. Some schools will also offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree or even a 1-year certificate program.
Certification and Licensing in Washington
Certification and licensing is not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Washington however most employers will have a preference for candidates who have obtained certification.
In order to become certified, you will need to successfully pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams.
An associate’s degree from an accredited school is a necessary prerequisite to taking these exams.
Other certification options are available to those wishing to specialize in a particular area such as cardiac and ophthalmic including the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Opthalmology (JCAHPO).
If you have any further questions about certification or licensing for ultrasound techs in Washington you can contact;
State Board: Department of Health Radiologic Technology Program
Website: doh.wa.gov
Phone: (360) 236-4700
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Washington
| Average Salary | $94,260 |
| Hourly Wage | $45.32 |
| Top 10% | $113,680 |
| Bottom 10% | $73,230 |
| Employed | 140 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Washington is $92,150 and is 18% greater than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This equates to an hourly pay of $44.30.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Washington has increased by 6%, or $5,180, since 2016.
The above data is taken from studies released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2021.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Washington make an average salary of $119,860 whilst the bottom 10% or entry level ultrasound techs make just $69,830 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Bremerton-Silverdale earn the highest average salaries in Washington at $97,620 per annum. Those working in Yakima earn the lowest average salaries at $79,370 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | $84,080 | $40.42 | 1,180 |
Employment
There are currently 1,840 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Washington (2021). This represents a growth of 28%, or 400 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Washington is based in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Washington
Average salaries have experienced a rise of 6% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Washington have experienced a growth of 28% over the same period.
Going forward the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 12% between 2019 and 2029. This is much faster than the average for all other professions.
The table below compares salary and employment for ultrasound techs with similar or related healthcare careers in Washington.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $94,260 | 140 |
| X Ray Tech | $82,270 | 440 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $78,040 | 140 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $96,960 | 70 |
| MRI Tech | $96,100 | 80 |