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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Sonography Technicians

Median Salary
76,599
Workforce Count
803

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Sonography technicians must be knowledgeable about ultrasound physics. They operate medical radiology equipment while performing ultrasound examinations, which are commonly used to study a developing fetus, abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, and the heart and blood vessels. Sonography technicians produce ultrasound diagnostic images while providing patient care for appropriate study and diagnosis. Sonography technicians balance patient interaction and technological performance while working cohesively with a healthcare team.

What is the work environment like?

Sonography technicians work in hospitals and clinics. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals. They follow strict safety procedures to minimize exposure to radiation.

How many people have this role in the Military?

803

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$116,198

2 Years

$70,411

6 Years

$116,198

10+ Years
Median Salary
76,599

Military Details

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Sonography technicians in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice with medical imaging equipment, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:

  • Operation of diagnostic imaging equipment
  • Image processing
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Patient care in radiology
  • Medical ethics and law
  • Principles of radiation protection
  • Field radiography

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Associate's degree

    47%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    19%

  • Bachelor's degree

    16%

  • First professional degree

    16%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Psychology
  • Administrative
  • Physics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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