Cardiovascular Technologist Salary Guide: How Much Does a Cardiovascular Technologist Make?
Working as a cardiovascular technologist can be a rewarding career, not only for the opportunity to help people but also because of the above-average salary. Cardiovascular technologists earn a healthy median salary, and luckily, the field is growing quickly. Keep reading to learn more about salaries for cardiovascular technologists, and find the breakdown of the salary in your state.
We'll also show you how your salary could increase throughout your career path, and the salaries of similar careers.
How Much Does a Cardiovascular Technologist Make in the United States?
The median annual salary for a cardiovascular technologist is $59,100, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite only needing an associate's degree, workers in the field earn well above the median salary for all occupations, $41,950. That said, the salary range for this career spans a much larger range, and many people in the field can approach six figures.
Cardiovascular Technologist Salary Per State
The cardiovascular technologist salary you can expect to earn largely depends on where you live. The median salary varies significantly from one state to another, and it could be the difference of tens of thousands of dollars.
Cardiovascular Technologist Salary Changes Throughout the Career Path
Your salary as a cardiovascular technology depends on where you are in your career. While the median salary in the field is $59,100, the entire range spans from $30,140 for the lowest 10% of earnings and $96,790 for the highest 10% of earners.
Additionally, your salary can be impacted by moving into different jobs in your career. For example, when you start your career, you may work as a health technologist or technician, which brings a median annual salary of $45,620. Eventually, you can graduate to the job of cardiovascular technologist, which brings a median annual salary of $59,100. Finally, you may eventually move into a job as a diagnostic medical sonographer, which brings a median annual salary of $75,920.
Finally, those working in the cardio field may have aspirations of eventually becoming cardiologists. While there's a significant time and cost investment, there's also a significant salary payoff. Physicians and surgeons earn a median annual salary of $218,850.
Other Job Opportunities for Cardiovascular Technologist
In addition to the various steps in the cardiovascular technologist career, there are also some similar career paths you might consider. Those include:
- Laboratory technician: Workers in this career collect samples and perform tests on bodily fluids, tissue, and other substances.
- Nuclear medicine technologist: In this field, you prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging and treatment.
- Radiation therapist: Workers in this field fight diseases such as cancer with radiation treatments.
- Radiologic and MRI technologists: In this field, you perform diagnostic imaging on patients, using an MRI machine to create diagnostic images.
- Registered nurses: RNs provide and coordinate patient care, as well as educate patients and the general public.
Career Opportunities and Job Growth for Cardiovascular Technologist
The good news for aspiring cardiovascular technologists is that there's plenty of room in the field. From 2020 through 2030, the field is expected to grow by a rate of about 8%, which is the average for all occupations. And for cardiovascular technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers combined, the average expected growth rate is 14%.
Wondering where the cardiovascular technologist field has the best outlook? Here are the cities with the highest employment in the field:
- New York - Newark - Jersey City, NY - NJ - PA
- Chicago - Naperville - Elgin, IL - IN - WI
- Los Angeles - Long Beach - Anaheim, CA
- Houston - The Woodlands - Sugar Land, TX
Other Benefits of Becoming a Cardiovascular Technologist
The pay isn't the only perk of becoming a cardiovascular technologist. There are plenty of other benefits that come with this field. First, like many careers, cardiovascular technologists typically have access to healthcare benefits that include health, dental, and vision insurance.
There are other financial benefits to this plan as well. If you are an hourly employee, you may have the opportunity to earn overtime pay. Additionally, your employer may offer a retirement plan or contribute to one on your behalf.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Cardiovascular Technologist?
The process of becoming a cardiovascular technologist isn't particularly lengthy compared to other careers in the healthcare field. To become a cardiovascular technologist, you'll generally need an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate. Many schools offer both associate degrees and certificates in the field, and workers can also seek degrees in other healthcare fields.
While seeking education to get into the field can cost thousands of dollars, there are ways to save money by applying for federal financial aid and scholarships through private organizations.
While professional credentials aren't necessarily required, employers often prefer them. These credentials can cost a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the industry organization you choose.
Salaries for Related Jobs
There are plenty of other accessible careers in the medical field. Below are a few jobs that are similar to a cardiovascular technologist, as well as their salaries.
Medical Assistant
Becoming a medical assistant generally requires graduating from a postsecondary education program, often through a community college, vocational school, or technical college.
- Average salary: $35,850
- Cost to become: $1,200 - $5,000
Dental Assistant
Becoming a dental assistant generally requires graduation from a postsecondary education program, often through a community college, vocational school, or technical college.
- Average salary: $41,180
- Cost to become: $1,000 - $7,500
Pharmacy Technician
Becoming a pharmacy technician generally requires only a high school diploma or an equivalent such as a GED.
- Average salary: $35,100
- Cost to become: $0 - $150
Latest Posts
How to Become a Paramedic/EMT
You can take numerous avenues to paramedic and EMT professions. Find out details on education and certification to find the option that best suits your needs.
How to Become a Therapist
Have you always wanted to help people work towards greater mental health? Learn what a therapist does, how to become one, and how much you can make.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
Begin your career as a substance abuse counselor today. Here, we list all the necessary steps and certifications to enter the growing field.
LearnHowToBecome.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
View the most relevant programs for your interests and compare them by tuition, acceptance rate, and other factors important to you.
