Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Louisiana
Considering working as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Louisiana? Below are the key facts. Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists. Excludes “Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians” (29-2031).
What do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Make in Louisiana?
For a diagnostic medical sonographers working in Louisiana, the typical annual salary is $76,400 per year (or about $36.73/hour).Pay can range from $47,690 at the 10th percentile to $95,020 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,690 | $22.93 |
| 25th percentile | $62,860 | $30.22 |
| Median (50th) | $76,400 | $36.73 |
| 75th percentile | $83,000 | $39.90 |
| 90th percentile | $95,020 | $45.68 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Louisiana relative to the national average — is 1.04.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median of $91,848 per year ($44.16/hour), below the Louisiana median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 3,282,869 diagnostic medical sonographers in the U.S.. In Louisiana alone, about 1,120 people work in this role. That’s right around the typical state median of 1,120.
Top Louisiana Metros for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
The largest metro-area employers of diagnostic medical sonographers in Louisiana.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 300 | $78,090 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 260 | $65,390 |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA | 100 | $77,060 |
| Lafayette, LA | 90 | $79,210 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 80 | $77,300 |
| Monroe, LA | 60 | $66,650 |
| Alexandria, LA | 50 | $79,510 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA | 40 | $77,230 |
Top States for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Employment
These states have the highest employment of diagnostic medical sonographers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 9,240 |
| New York | 7,080 |
| Florida | 6,560 |
| Texas | 6,110 |
| Illinois | 3,500 |
| Pennsylvania | 3,250 |
| New Jersey | 3,160 |
| Michigan | 3,090 |
| North Carolina | 3,070 |
| Ohio | 3,010 |
| Georgia | 2,430 |
| Virginia | 2,280 |
| Tennessee | 2,160 |
| Massachusetts | 2,120 |
| Washington | 2,060 |
| Maryland | 1,800 |
| Arizona | 1,790 |
| Minnesota | 1,510 |
| Missouri | 1,500 |
| Wisconsin | 1,480 |
Highest-Paying States for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Where diagnostic medical sonographers earn the most: diagnostic medical sonographers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $122,030 |
| California | $120,840 |
| Oregon | $108,230 |
| Washington | $107,360 |
| District of Columbia | $106,130 |
| Colorado | $104,810 |
| Massachusetts | $104,130 |
| Alaska | $103,160 |
| Connecticut | $102,850 |
| New York | $101,930 |
Skills
Key diagnostic medical sonographers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for diagnostic medical sonographers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, diagnostic medical sonographers typically:
- Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
- Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
- Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
- Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
- Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
- Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
- Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
- Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
- Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.
- Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.
- Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including providing assistance during invasive procedures.
Work Activities
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Getting Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Working with Computers
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: eClinicalWorks EHR software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Allied Health Professions
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to diagnostic medical sonographers include:
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Radiation Therapists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Anesthesiologists
- Cardiologists
- Radiologists
Also Known As
Cardiac Sonographer, Cardiovascular Sonographer, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Echo Sonographer (Echocardiograph Sonographer), Echo Tech (Echocardiographic Technician), Echocardiogram Technician, Echocardiographer, Echocardiographic Technologist, Echocardiography Technician, Echocardiology Technologist, Medical Sonographer, OB/GYN Sonographer (Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonographer), Polysomnographic Technician, Polysomnographic Technologist, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 29-2032.00