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
Georgia · Training Path
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.
- 1
Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
education2 years · $30,000-$45,000
Complete a two-year Associate's degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from a CAAHEP-accredited program. The curriculum combines classroom instruction in anatomy and ultrasound physics with extensive supervised clinical experience in various imaging modalities.
- 2
ARDMS Certification (RDMS)
training licensing3 months · $500-$800
Prepare for and pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exam to earn the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential. This certification is the industry standard and required by most employers.
- 3
Entry-Level Ultrasound Technician
career2-3 years ·
Begin working as a certified ultrasound technician in hospitals, imaging centers, or physician offices. Perform diagnostic imaging procedures, work with patients, and collaborate with physicians to provide quality diagnostic services.
- 4
Experienced Ultrasound Technician
careerOngoing ·
Advance to senior sonographer roles with specialized expertise, potentially taking on lead technician responsibilities, training new staff, or working in specialized imaging centers with higher compensation.
Accredited Programs · Georgia
Accredited Ultrasound Technician Programs in Georgia
Accreditation matters because Georgia's licensing board typically only recognizes graduates from programs vetted by a national body. The programs below hold active accreditation and are in good standing as of the last verification date.
5 of ~undefined accredited programs in Georgia
| Institution | Credential | Length | Estimated Cost | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grady Health System Atlanta | Certificate | 1y 6mo | $5,700–$7,000 | CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) |
| 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 |
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Last verified 2026-04-05. Program details — including tuition, duration, and accreditation — verified against each institution's official website.
Georgia · Licensing Authority
Licensing and Certification in Georgia
Georgia regulates this career through the credentials below. The “issuing body” is the organization that awards and renews the credential — some are national associations, others are Georgia's own licensing authority.
Georgia · BLS OEWS 2024
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Georgia
ARDMS certification costs $300 and typically leads to immediate job placement — Georgia employers compete for certified sonographers.
10th
$68,723
25th
$80,226
Median
$68,720
75th
$90,189
90th
$101,650
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2,430 employed in Georgia
HealthJob Analysis · Georgia
Is It Worth It? ROI in Georgia
Year 3
Break-even
$1.58M
20-year net
$39k
Education cost
20-year net earnings = cumulative income minus education cost and the years you weren't earning.
Assumes Georgia median salary of $68,720, 2% annual wage growth, no loan interest. Does not account for cost of living.
HealthJob Analysis · Georgia
AI & Automation for Ultrasound Technicians in Georgia
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.
Tasks that are changing
- AI handles major parts
- AI augments
- AI assists
- Human-only
Provide sonogram and summary of findings to physician
Select equipment settings and adjust patient positions for optimal imaging
Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record diagnostic images
Decide which images to include, identifying healthy vs pathological areas
Record and store suitable images
AI auto-captures and stores protocol-compliant images in systems like Voluson Swift and ABUS, assisting but within human-led workflows.
Maintain records including patient info, sonographs, interpretations, QA
Sonio and similar automate parts of record maintenance and QA via AI reporting, but humans oversee.
Observe screen during scan to ensure satisfactory images, adjusting equipment as required
Observe and care for patients during exams for safety and comfort
AI products in use today
Georgia · Common Questions
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: February 2026