The terms ultrasound technician (ultrasound tech) and diagnostic medical sonographer (sonographer) are regularly used to describe the same or very similar programs of study in Wisconsin (WI).
On this page, we switch between the terms ultrasound tech schools in Wisconsin and sonography schools in Wisconsin.
Below you will find information on the steps to becoming an ultrasound tech in Wisconsin as well as information on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Wisconsin
Ultrasound techs in Wisconsin will typically have earned either a 2-year associate’s degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, followed by certification from a recognized certifying body.
Top Ultrasound Tech Schools in Wisconsin
Ultrasound tech schools in Wisconsin are accredited by the CAAHEP.
Accreditation confirms that a school delivers a high level of quality education ensuring that students are well prepared for certification and entry into the healthcare field as an ultrasound technician.
There are currently 8 accredited ultrasound tech schools in Wisconsin.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora St Luke's Medical Center | Milwaukee | General, Cardiac, Vascular | Certificate |
| Berlin College | Green Bay | General, Vascular | Bachelors Degree |
| Blackhawk Technical College | Janesville | General, Vascular | Associates Degree |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire | General | Associates Degree |
| Concordia University of Wisconsin | Mequon | General, Vascular | Certiifcate, Bachelor |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay | General | Associates Degree |
| University of Wisconsin Hospitals & Clinics | Madison | General, Cardiac, Vascular | Certiifcate, Bachelor |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee | General, Vascular | Bachelors Degree |
Most schools offer either an associate’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 2 years. Some schools will also offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree or even a 1-year certificate program.
Wisconsin Certification and Licensing Requirements
Certification and licensing are not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Wisconsin. However, in today’s competitive jobs market certification is strongly recommended given that most employers seek certification as a mark of skills level and credentials.
In order to become certified, you will need to successfully pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams.
Successful completion of an approved program at an accredited school is an essential requirement to qualify to sit the certification exams.
Other certification options are available to those wishing to specialize in a particular area such as cardiac and ophthalmic including the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Opthalmology (JCAHPO).
If you have any further questions about certification or licensing for ultrasound techs in Wisconsin you can contact;
State Board: Department of Safety and Professional Services
Website: www.dsps.wi.gov
Phone: (608) 266-2112
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Wisconsin
| Average Salary | $86,810 |
| Hourly Wage | $41.73 |
| Top 10% | $107,310 |
| Bottom 10% | $68,380 |
| Employed | 1,480 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Wisconsin is $86,810 and is 12% above the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This translates to an hourly pay of $41.73.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Wisconsin has increased significantly by 19%, or $13,890, since 2016.
The above data is taken from studies released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2021.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Wisconsin make an average salary of $107,310 whilst the bottom 10% and entry level ultrasound techs make just $68,380 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis earn the highest average salaries in Wisconsin at $89,380 per annum. Those working in Madison earn the lowest average salaries at $84,180 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton | $87,370 | $42.00 | 50 |
| Eau Claire | $84,890 | $40.81 | 50 |
| Fond du Lac | $85,090 | $40.91 | - |
| Green Bay | $87,290 | $41.97 | 80 |
| Madison | $84,180 | $40.47 | 210 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis | $89,380 | $42.97 | 520 |
Employment
There are currently 1,480 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Wisconsin (2021). This represents a decrease of -4%, or -60 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Wisconsin is based in Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Wisconsin
Average salaries have experienced a rise of 19% since 2016 whilst the number of jobs for the profession in Wisconsin has experienced a decrease of -4% over the same period.
Going forward the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 12% between 2019 and 2029. This is much faster than the average for all other professions.
The table below compares salary and employment for ultrasound techs with similar or related healthcare careers in Wisconsin.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $86,810 | 1,480 |
| X Ray Tech | $62,360 | 4,610 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $67,880 | 880 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $87,320 | 360 |
| MRI Tech | $74,090 | 940 |