Cardiovascular Technician
A Cardiovascular Technician, also called a Cardiac Sonographer or Echo Tech, is a specialized allied healthcare professional who uses non-invasive ultrasound technology to create detailed images of the heart and blood vessels.
Getting Started
How to Become a Cardiovascular Technician
At 2 years to get started, this is typical for Associate Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Associate Degree (typically 2 years) at an estimated cost of $25k–$38k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for cardiovascular technician practice.
Begin Working
Cardiovascular Technician earn a median salary of $63k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Overview
What Does a Cardiovascular Technician Do?
A Cardiovascular Technician, also called a Cardiac Sonographer or Echo Tech, is a specialized allied healthcare professional who uses non-invasive ultrasound technology to create detailed images of the heart and blood vessels. These diagnostic images, called echocardiograms, are critical for cardiologists to accurately diagnose conditions such as congenital heart defects, valve diseases, heart failure, and damage from heart attacks. The profession is vital to modern cardiology, providing essential, real-time information that guides patient care and treatment decisions.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Cardiovascular Technician Make?
At $63k/yr, cardiovascular technician earn less than the $73k/yr average for Associate Degree-level careers.
$63k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Technician | $63k/yr |
| Dialysis Technician | $44k/yr |
| EKG/ECG Technician | $63k/yr |
| Ultrasound Technician | $85k/yr |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $85k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
Future-Proofing
Cardiovascular Technician Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 5.6% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 7.2% average for Associate Degree-level careers.
10-Year Growth
5.6%
Faster than average
Current Employment
58,700
jobs nationwide
AI & Automation Risk
Significant Risk
Cardiovascular Technician roles face significant AI automation risk — below average among Associate Degree-level careers. Several core tasks could potentially be automated or substantially changed by AI.
Why It's Safe
- +Assisting and caring for others
- +Handling and moving objects
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- +Developing and building teams
- +Performing general physical activities
What Could Be Automated
- −Documenting/recording information
- −Working with computers
- −Getting information
- −Controlling machines and processes
- −Evaluating information to determine compliance with standards
Based on Pew Research + O*NET methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
Explore More
Similar Careers to Compare
Dialysis Technician
EKG/ECG Technician
Ultrasound Technician
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Phlebotomist
Learn More
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Sources
Data Freshness
BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12