Georgia pays ultrasound technicians $68,720 median — 23% below the national average despite having 2,430 positions across metro Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah. The pay gap reflects Georgia's lower cost of living, but five CAAHEP programs produce enough graduates to keep wages competitive regionally. For someone starting from scratch, the state's community college system offers the most affordable path into sonography.
Salary and employment data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Georgia
How to Become a Ultrasound Technician in Georgia
Five CAAHEP-accredited programs span Georgia, from Grady Health System's 18-month certificate in Atlanta to full associate degrees at technical colleges statewide.
Accredited Programs in Georgia
5 programs · Verified against CAAHEP accreditation directory and institutional websites · Last verified 2026-04-05
| Institution | Credential | Length | Estimated Cost | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grady Health System Atlanta | Certificate | 1y 6mo | $5,700–$7,000 | CAAHEP |
| Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville | Associate's | 2 yr | $6,000–$8,000 | CAAHEP |
| Ogeechee Technical College Statesboro | Associate's | 2 yr | $5,500–$7,500 | CAAHEP |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College Rome | Associate's | 2 yr | $5,500–$7,500 | CAAHEP |
| Athens Technical College Athens | Associate's | 2 yr | $5,500–$7,500 | CAAHEP |
Licensing and Certification in Georgia
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Georgia
ARDMS certification costs $300 and typically leads to immediate job placement — Georgia employers compete for certified sonographers.
$69k/yr
-23% vs. national ($89k/yr)10th
$69k
25th
$80k
Median
$69k
75th
$90k
90th
$102k
2,430 employed in Georgia
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
HealthJob Analysis
Is It Worth It? ROI in Georgia
At $68,720 with a $6,500 community college program, the payback period is under 14 months.
20-Year Net Earnings
$1,577k
Break-Even
Year 3
Education Cost (Georgia)
$39k
Based on Georgia median salary of $69k/yr and estimated program costs from Georgia institutions.
In Georgia, Emory Healthcare and Piedmont Health are piloting AI measurement tools for cardiac imaging, while Grady Hospital uses automated reporting software — but all scanning remains hands-on.
HealthJob Analysis
Will AI Replace Ultrasound Technician?
AI assists with measurements and image optimization but cannot replace the real-time decision-making that defines sonography. Software can auto-calculate fetal growth percentiles and suggest optimal probe angles, but you still control probe placement, adjust for patient anatomy, and recognize abnormal findings during live scanning. The technology enhances accuracy rather than replacing human expertise — scanning requires continuous adaptation to patient movement, breathing, and unique anatomical variations.
AI guides probe placement and auto-measures but does not displace scanning; sonographer performs all scans with real-time clinical judgment (13% BLS growth).
Exo: Handheld Ultrasound with AI · Diagnostic Imaging: Sonio FDA Clearance · Mount Sinai: BrightHeart AI
Based on evidence-based AI impact methodology
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do ultrasound technicians make in Georgia?
- Ultrasound technicians in Georgia earn $68,720 median salary, with the middle 50% earning between $68,723-$90,189 annually. Entry-level positions start around $68,723 while experienced techs can reach $101,650 at major Atlanta hospitals.
- Do I need a license to work as an ultrasound tech in Georgia?
- Georgia does not require state licensing for ultrasound technicians, but employers universally require ARDMS certification. You'll need to pass the RDMS exam ($300) after completing your sonography program to get hired anywhere in the state.
- Which Georgia schools offer ultrasound technician programs?
- Five CAAHEP-accredited programs operate in Georgia: Grady Health System (Atlanta certificate), Gwinnett Technical College, Athens Technical College, Ogeechee Technical College, and Georgia Northwestern Technical College. All offer associate degrees except Grady's 18-month certificate program.
- How long does it take to become an ultrasound tech in Georgia?
- Most Georgia programs take 24 months for an associate degree, except Grady's 18-month certificate option. After graduation, you'll need 2-4 weeks to schedule and pass your ARDMS certification exam before starting work.
- Are ultrasound techs in demand in Georgia?
- Yes, Georgia employs 2,430 ultrasound technicians with steady hiring at hospitals like Emory, Piedmont, and Grady plus outpatient imaging centers. The aging population drives 10% national growth, and Georgia's major medical centers compete for certified sonographers.
Sources & Data
These references are used to build salary, training-path, and job-outlook estimates shown on this page.
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- •O*NET OnLine
- •ARDMS
- •ARDMS
- •ARDMS
- •HealthJob AI Impact Analysis
- •BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS State Data — Georgia
Data last refreshed: April 2026