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How to hire a sonographer

Sonographer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring sonographers in the United States:

  • There are a total of 64,751 sonographers in the US, and there are currently 14,117 job openings in this field.
  • The median cost to hire a sonographer is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per sonographer on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • San Francisco, CA, has the highest demand for sonographers, with 44 job openings.

How to hire a sonographer, step by step

To hire a sonographer, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a sonographer, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step sonographer hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a sonographer job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new sonographer
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a sonographer do?

A Sonographer performs diagnostic procedures using sonographic equipment. Their duties include preparing patients, explaining the exam, and performing the procedure.

Learn more about the specifics of what a sonographer does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the sonographer you need to hire. Certain sonographer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect sonographer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    This list presents sonographer salaries for various positions.

    Type of SonographerDescriptionHourly rate
    SonographerDiagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, operate special imaging equipment to create images or to conduct tests. The images and test results help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions... Show more$27-60
    X-Ray TechnicianThe job of X-ray technicians, or X-ray technologists, is to detect medical issues that may need urgent medical treatment using cutting-edge imaging methods. The pictures they generate aid physicians in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses with better accuracy... Show more$15-38
    Ultrasound TechnologistAn ultrasound technologist is responsible for assisting medical professionals in operating high-end equipment to diagnose patients' illnesses and monitor health conditions. Ultrasound technologists regularly inspect the efficiency and reliability of the machine and report inconsistencies and defects for immediate repair or replacement... Show more$24-67
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Patients
    • Sonography
    • ARDMS
    • Patient Care
    • Ultrasound Equipment
    • Ultrasound Procedures
    • Radiology
    • OB-GYN
    • Patient History
    • Echocardiogram
    • Pacs
    • Invasive Procedures
    • Compassion
    • ABD
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage and operate the daily operations and supervision of the radiology ultrasound departments.
    • Explain ultrasound procedures to patients, record relevant medical history, reconcile and collect required data.
    • Perform all ultrasound exams, ie: Abd, OB/Gyn, small parts and vascular.
    • Pass ARDMS vascular exam at Oct.
    • Experience with ICAVL guidelines and requirements.
    • Maintain equipment, treadmill room and supply inventory.
    More sonographer duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your sonographer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A sonographer salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a sonographer in South Carolina may be lower than in California, and an entry-level sonographer usually earns less than a senior-level sonographer. Additionally, a sonographer with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average sonographer salary

    $85,898yearly

    $41.30 hourly rate

    Entry-level sonographer salary
    $58,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 28, 2025

    Average sonographer salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$136,481$66
    2Nevada$103,006$50
    3Connecticut$102,455$49
    4Massachusetts$101,666$49
    5Oregon$97,658$47
    6Washington$95,868$46
    7New York$93,200$45
    8New Hampshire$92,739$45
    9Maine$89,983$43
    10Maryland$86,761$42
    11Arizona$84,922$41
    12Illinois$83,981$40
    13Oklahoma$81,450$39
    14Nebraska$79,895$38
    15Michigan$78,431$38
    16Colorado$78,148$38
    17Pennsylvania$77,696$37
    18North Carolina$76,661$37
    19Minnesota$74,944$36
    20Texas$74,624$36

    Average sonographer salary by company

  4. Writing a sonographer job description

    A sonographer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a sonographer job description:

    Sonographer job description example

    US-OR-Gresham

    Type: Regular Full-Time
    Mount Hood Medical Center campus

    Overview

    Ultrasounds and biopsies can be scary procedures for some patients. Your skill and compassion as a sonographer will help to put patients at ease.

    Your sound judgment will be used to determine imaging technique and patient treatment. Through your expertise, you will help to fulfill Legacy's mission of making life better for others.

    Monday 6:30am to 5:00pm

    Tuesday 6:30am to 5:00pm

    Off Weds

    Thursday 8:30am to 7:00pm

    Friday 6:30am to 5:00pm

    This specific position requires Call,and Breast/Ultrasound experience is preferred.

    The hourly rate for regular standby pay is $5. The hourly rate for holiday standby pay is $8.

    Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center is East County's full-service hospital, always expanding to meet the community's growing needs and offering an award-winning patient experience delivered with a personal touch. We offer advanced imaging, a modern emergency department, a welcoming family birth center, surgical services, intensive care, cancer care, gastroenterology and more.



    Responsibilities

    IMAGING :

    Provides quality images with accuracy and efficiency, using optimal skills and knowledge of all equipment.

    Performs and maintains competency in Abdominal, OB/GYN, Small Parts, Biopsy, Carotid, Peripheral Venous, and Peripheral Arterial ultrasound studies in accordance with department standards and guidelines as detailed in the Ultrasound Procedure Manual.

    Recognizes the significance of structures visualized, differentiates artifacts and records scan for permanent record.

    Operates all ultrasound imaging equipment to insure accurate and quality images.

    Develops and presents films and related patient information to physician for diagnosis.

    Assists with patient transport by moving patients using standard procedures.

    DOCUMENTATION :

    Gathers complete documentation of all pertinent information to provide accurate and timely service to customers.

    Identifies patient by checking patient's I.D., full name and medical record number according to department procedure.

    Reviews patient chart and orders to insure correct examination.

    Labels images completely with demographic, position and other needed documentation.

    Logs activities, gathers charging information and charges exams as required.

    Follows department and hospital procedures and policies.

    Performs quality control and quality assurance, records results and reports variance from normal equipment function.

    PERSONAL & PATIENT CARE AND SAFETY :

    Provides for personal and patient care and safety using professional judgment in accordance with written standards so there is no injury to self or others.
    Practices universal and blood and body fluid precautions, and sterile practices according to procedures.

    Communicates and uses knowledge of related anatomy and physiology to insure appropriate and effective care to neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

    Maintains awareness of patient status and takes appropriate actions to meet their needs.

    PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR :

    Practices professional communications, appearance, conduct, punctuality, attendance and attitude that lead to physician, patient and co-worker respect and confidence.
    Informs and educates patient and/or family of all needed information concerning the exam performed.

    Uses professional judgment and presents a professional image of competency to customer and staff.

    Maintains professional appearance, punctuality, flexibility, confidentiality and guest relations.

    Handles stressful situations in ways that promote positive outcomes.

    Takes personal initiative to maintain current in education (journals, books, in-services, seminars, etc.) and certification.

    Participates in presenting professional information to colleagues.



    Qualifications

    Education:

    Graduate of accredited school of ultrasound.

    Skills: Keyboard skills and ability to navigate electronic systems applicable to job functions.

    LEGACY'S VALUES IN ACTION:

    Follows guidelines set forth in Legacy's Values in Action.

    Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled



    PI193359293

  5. Post your job

    To find sonographers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any sonographers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level sonographers with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your sonographer job on Zippia to find and recruit sonographer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites such as healthcarejobsite, health jobs nationwide, hospitalcareers, medreps.com.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit sonographers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new sonographer

    Once you have selected a candidate for the sonographer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new sonographer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a sonographer?

Hiring a sonographer comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting sonographers involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of sonographer recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

Sonographers earn a median yearly salary is $85,898 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find sonographers for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $27 and $60.

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