Ultrasound technicians in Georgia earn an average salary of $75,000 per year. Entry-level positions start around $60,000, while experienced professionals can earn over $90,000. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and healthcare facility type.
What Is an Ultrasound Technician?
An ultrasound technician, also known as a sonographer, uses imaging equipment to capture internal body images. These images help doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions. Most ultrasound jobs in Georgia are in hospitals, clinics, or outpatient centers.
Sonographers can specialize in OB/GYN, vascular, cardiac, or abdominal imaging. Each specialty affects both job title and compensation. For example, a specialized sonographer in Atlanta can earn up to $108,452 annually, depending on certification and experience.
Average Salary for Ultrasound Techs in Georgia
Ultrasound technicians in Georgia earn between $76,413 and $94,134 per year. Hourly pay ranges from $36.74 to $45.26. The statewide average salary is $79,520, slightly below the national average of $82,035.
Current Salary Statistics
| Position Type | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech (Georgia – General) | $76,413 – $94,134 | $36.74 – $45.26 |
| Ultrasound Tech (Percentile – GA) | $57,950 – $99,680 | $27.86 – $47.92 |
| Registered Ultrasound Tech (GA avg) | $74,256 | $35.70 |
| Ultrasound Tech I (Atlanta) | $63,173 – $103,077 | $30.37 – $49.56 |
| Registered Ultrasound Tech (Atlanta) | $62,130 | $29.87 |
| Travel Ultrasound Tech (Atlanta) | $90,532 – $99,216 | $43.53 – $47.70 |
| Contract Ultrasound Tech (Atlanta) | $135,200 | Variable + per diem |
| Specialized Sonographer (Atlanta) | $86,216 – $108,452 | $41.43 – $52.14 |
Salary by Location in Georgia
Location impacts ultrasound tech pay across Georgia. Urban areas like Atlanta offer more jobs but often lower hourly wages. In contrast, rural cities such as Macon, Columbus, Albany, and Carrollton offer higher pay to attract talent.
Comparative Analysis
| Location | Median Annual Salary | % Difference from National | % Difference from Georgia |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $82,035 | — | +3.2% |
| Georgia (overall) | $79,520 | -3.1% | — |
| Atlanta, GA | $62,130 | -24.3% | -21.9% |
| Charlotte, NC | $81,120 | -1.1% | +2.0% |
| Madison, WI | $89,440 | +9.0% | +12.5% |
| California | $119,120 | +45.2% | +49.8% |
Atlanta salaries average $29.87/hour, while other Georgia cities report up to $35.70/hour. This variation is influenced by job type, facility, and regional demand.
What Affects Ultrasound Tech Salaries in GA?
Several key factors increase salary potential:
- Experience level: Senior sonographers earn 30–40% more than entry-level roles.
- Specialty: Technicians certified in multiple ultrasound modalities (e.g., vascular + general) see 15–25% higher salaries.
- Facility type: Teaching hospitals like Northside Hospital Atlanta may start lower but offer growth.
- Location: Cities like Macon, Carrollton, and Cumming offer higher wages due to talent shortages.
- Contract type: Travel or contract roles pay more but offer fewer benefits and stability.
For example, travel ultrasound techs earn up to $135,200/year. These jobs often come with housing stipends and per diems but lack PTO and consistent schedules.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Georgia
To become an ultrasound technologist in Georgia, follow these steps:
- Complete an accredited program in diagnostic medical sonography.
- Pass ARDMS certification exams in your specialty area.
- Apply for positions in hospitals, outpatient centers, or imaging clinics.
- Consider dual certifications for higher pay.
- Gain clinical experience to move into higher-level roles.
Top schools and programs exist in Atlanta, Marietta, and Lawrenceville. These programs typically last 18–24 months.
Job Outlook for Georgia Sonographers
The job outlook in Georgia is strong. Between 2025 and 2030, the demand for ultrasound techs is expected to grow by 10–15%, especially in cities like Macon, Albany, and along the GA coast medical service areas.
Healthcare systems like Northside Hospital Atlanta and Emory Healthcare regularly hire sonographers for diagnostic, vascular, and OB/GYN roles. Multi-modality skills increase job options.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions we asked about this topic.
Why is there a 20% salary gap between Atlanta and the rest of Georgia for ultrasound technologists?
Teaching hospitals, increased competition, and rural pay premiums drive the gap. Entry-level techs in Atlanta earn less due to high applicant volume, while rural areas pay more to attract skilled staff.
How does specializing in multiple ultrasound modalities affect earning potential in Georgia?
Dual certification increases earnings by 15–25%. Positions requiring general and vascular ultrasound can pay up to $2,600/week, especially in travel or contract roles.
What financial trade-offs exist between travel ultrasound positions and permanent roles in Georgia?
Travel roles offer higher pay but less stability. Travel techs earn $90,532–$135,200/year but often lack PTO and benefits. They gain faster experience and higher future pay potential.
How does career longevity impact ultrasound technologist compensation in Georgia compared to other healthcare fields?
Sonographers continue earning more with experience. Unlike nurses, ultrasound techs in Level IV roles earn 35–40% more due to specialization and teaching opportunities.
Final Points
Ultrasound techs in Georgia earn competitive salaries, with strong job growth, diverse specialties, and multiple career paths. Cities like Columbus, Macon, and Albany offer higher wages, while travel and contract roles provide the highest earning potential. Certification, experience, and location all significantly impact your hourly rate and career earnings.
