How Much do Cardiovascular Technologists Earn in 2023?
Cardiovascular technologists work closely with physicians in a medical setting such as a hospital or doctor’s office. They perform or assist with procedures such as electrocardiograms or ultrasounds of the heart, and play an essential role in helping diagnose and even treating heart and vascular diseases.
In 2022, the BLS reported that over 58,000 people were employed as cardiovascular technicians, with a projected growth of 5% through to 2031.
All salary and employment figures are based on a national average and may vary by location.
Not only can a career in cardiovascular technology be fulfilling, but it can also compensate well. Across the country, cardiovascular techs earned a median annual salary of $63,020 in 2022, or $30.30 per hour. Conditions in your area may vary. Numerous factors play a role on cardiovascular technologist salary including education, experience, geographic location, specialization and credentials earned.
What’s the Starting Salary for a Cardiovascular Tech?
The following table compares the entry level, average, and top percentage of what cardiovascular techs earn nationwide in 2021 (conditions in your area may vary).
| Lowest 10% | Median | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|
| $33,950 | $63,020 | $102,000 |
Advanced education, certification, and job experience can help propel you to higher wages as you move on in your career.
How Much Does a Cardiovascular Technologist Make an Hour?
How Can You Increase Your Salary as a Cardiovascular Tech?
Education
An Associate of Science degree in Cardiovascular Technology (or a certificate program if they have prior healthcare education or experience) makes you eligible for entry-level positions.
More cardiovascular tech schools are starting to offer Bachelor’s Degree programs, which allow cardiovascular technologists to advance their career and increase their salary.
Typically, higher education and continuous professional development coupled with several years experience in the field may qualify you for higher ranking positions including manager/director/supervisor, researcher, educator, consultant, and medical equipment salesman.
Certification
Professional credentials can also help you earn a higher cardiovascular technician salary. Some states and employers require certifications, while consider them an asset, which will give you a competitive advantage over other applicants.
Credentials can also potentially give you the opportunity to negotiate a higher cardiovascular technologist salary. They might also demonstrate that you are an expert in a particular specialty, which can equate to an increased compensation. The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offer relevant certifications to cardiovascular technicians and technologists.
Other Contributing Factors
- Geographic Location: As you can see in Table 1 below, the state you work in influences cardiovascular technician salary. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cardiovascular techs in the District of Columbia made the highest mean annual salary. Working in a major metropolitan area also influences income.
- Workplace: The employer or place of work also influences cardiovascular technologist salary. Below, Table 2 shows that specialized and private facilities tend to pay more than general hospitals (where 75% of cardiovascular technologists work, according the the BLS), laboratories and educational institutions. With more experience, you could potentially move up to working for a higher-paying, private facility.
Additionally, Table 3 below will compare the cardiovascular technician salary to similar healthcare careers.
Table 1: States Paying the Highest Salary for Cardiovascular Technicians
| State | 2022 Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Idaho | $92,180 |
| Washington D.C. | $91,150 |
| Rhode Island | $89,030 |
| Oregon | $85,730 |
| Alaska | $85,450 |
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, May 2022)
Table 2: Highest Paying Employers for Cardiovascular Tech’s
| Career | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Outpatient Care Centers | $88,170 |
| Home Health Care Services | $87,440 |
| Scientific Research Facilities | $80,240 |
| Offices of Other Healthcare Practitioners | $76,840 |
| Medical and Diagnostic Labs | $72,420 |
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, May 2021)
Below you will find information on how cardiovascular technologist salary compares to other healthcare careers. Note that the mean annual salaries do not include advanced careers, i.e. a managerial position in a cardiovascular department.
Table 3: Cardiovascular Technician Salary Compared to Similar Careers, May 2022*
| Employer/Industry | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | $85,300 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $81,350 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $65,140 |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $63,020 |
| Surgical Technologist | $55,960 |
| Medical Assistants | $37,190 |
All Salary and Job Growth Statistics are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), using the most current data available. Statistics are updated annually.
*Conditions may vary in your area
