Michigan pays ultrasound technicians $70,720 median — 21% below the national average despite having 3,090 positions statewide. The gap persists even though major health systems like Henry Ford and Spectrum Health compete for the same limited talent pool. With only five CAAHEP-accredited programs producing new graduates, supply constraints haven't translated to higher wages yet.
Salary and employment data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Michigan
Michigan · Training Path
How to Become a Ultrasound Technician in Michigan
Michigan offers paths from $9,000 community college programs to $60,000 university degrees, with all five programs maintaining CAAHEP accreditation.
- 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 · Michigan
Accredited Ultrasound Technician Programs in Michigan
Accreditation matters because Michigan'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 Michigan
| Institution | Credential | Length | Estimated Cost | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker College Owosso | Associate's | 2 yr | $30,000–$35,000 | CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) |
| Oakland Community College Southfield | Associate's | 1y 6mo | $9,000–$12,000 | CAAHEP |
| Jackson College Jackson | Associate's | 2 yr | $14,000–$18,000 | CAAHEP |
| Henry Ford Health - School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Detroit | Certificate | 2 yr | $8,000–$9,000 | CAAHEP |
| Grand Valley State University Allendale | Bachelor's | 4 yr | $52,000–$62,000 | CAAHEP |
Loading programs...
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Last verified 2026-04-05. Program details — including tuition, duration, and accreditation — verified against each institution's official website.
Michigan · Licensing Authority
Licensing and Certification in Michigan
Michigan 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 Michigan's own licensing authority.
Michigan · BLS OEWS 2024
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Michigan
Oakland Community College's $12,000 program leads to the same $70,720 starting salary as a $60,000 Grand Valley degree.
10th
$70,720
25th
$80,288
Median
$70,720
75th
$84,594
90th
$91,250
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 3,090 employed in Michigan
HealthJob Analysis · Michigan
Is It Worth It? ROI in Michigan
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 Michigan median salary of $70,720, 2% annual wage growth, no loan interest. Does not account for cost of living.
HealthJob Analysis · Michigan
AI & Automation for Ultrasound Technicians in Michigan
In Michigan, Henry Ford Health and University of Michigan Health use AI-assisted measurement tools in their cardiac labs, but technicians still perform all patient scanning and image capture at both systems.
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
Michigan · Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do ultrasound technicians make in Michigan?
- Michigan ultrasound technicians earn $70,720 median salary, which is 21% below the national average. Salaries range from $70,720 at the 10th percentile to $91,250 at the 90th percentile statewide. Michigan employs 3,090 ultrasound technicians across hospitals and imaging centers.
- What colleges offer ultrasound technician programs in Michigan?
- Five CAAHEP-accredited programs operate in Michigan. Oakland Community College offers the most affordable option at $9,000-$12,000 for an 18-month associate degree. Grand Valley State University provides a bachelor's program for $52,000-$62,000 over 48 months, while Henry Ford Health runs a certificate program for $8,000-$9,000.
- Do you need a license to be an ultrasound technician in Michigan?
- No, Michigan does not require a state license for ultrasound technicians. However, virtually all employers require ARDMS certification (RDMS, RDCS, or RVT) which costs $300-$450 and involves passing a national exam. The certification serves as the de facto credential for employment.
- How long does it take to become an ultrasound technician in Michigan?
- Most Michigan programs take 18-24 months to complete. Oakland Community College offers the shortest path at 18 months, while Baker College and Jackson College require 24 months. You'll need an additional 2-3 months after graduation to study for and pass the ARDMS certification exam.
- What hospitals hire ultrasound technicians in Michigan?
- Major employers include Henry Ford Health, University of Michigan Health, Spectrum Health, and Ascension Michigan. These health systems operate multiple locations across the state and regularly hire new graduates. Community hospitals and independent imaging centers also provide employment opportunities throughout Michigan.
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 — Michigan
Data last refreshed: February 2026