EKG/ECG Technician
EKG/ECG technicians are specialized healthcare professionals who perform electrocardiograms—tests that monitor and record the electrical activity of the heart.
Getting Started
How to Become a EKG/ECG Technician
At 4 months to get started, this is faster than the 9 months average for Postsecondary Certificate-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Postsecondary Certificate (typically 4 months) at an estimated cost of $3k–$5k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for ekg/ecg technician practice.
Begin Working
EKG/ECG 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 EKG/ECG Technician Do?
EKG/ECG technicians are specialized healthcare professionals who perform electrocardiograms—tests that monitor and record the electrical activity of the heart. You'll work directly with patients to capture critical diagnostic data that physicians use to detect and evaluate cardiovascular conditions. The terms EKG (from the German 'Elektrokardiogramm') and ECG (from the English 'Electrocardiogram') are used interchangeably in healthcare.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a EKG/ECG Technician Make?
At $63k/yr, ekg/ecg technician earn more than most Postsecondary Certificate-level careers, where the average is $44k/yr.
$63k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| EKG/ECG Technician | $63k/yr |
| Dialysis Technician | $44k/yr |
| Ultrasound Technician | $85k/yr |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $85k/yr |
| Phlebotomist | $42k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
Future-Proofing
EKG/ECG Technician Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 5.6% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 6% average for Postsecondary Certificate-level careers.
10-Year Growth
5.6%
Faster than average
Current Employment
58,700
jobs nationwide
AI & Automation Risk
Significant Risk
EKG/ECG Technician roles face significant AI automation risk — below average among Postsecondary Certificate-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
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Sources
Data Freshness
BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12