Cardiovascular Technologist and EKG Technician Salary

The electrocardiogram (EKG) technician, formally referred to as a "cardiovascular technologist" is a health care professional that has received specialized training to operate and maintain equipment that measures the human heart rate and rhythm. The future job outlook for EKG technicians is good and EKG technician salary is very competitive.

Median EKG Technician Salary

In 2012 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median EKG technician salary was $52,070 per year, or about $25 per hour.

Top Paying States for EKG Technicians

EKG Technician Salary by State.
Darker color means higher salary.

Some states pay a higher salary than the national average. Alaska leads the pack with a median EKG salary of over $80k per year. The other top paying states for EKG technicians are:

1. Alaska – $80,310
2. Washington – $66,920
3. New Jersey – $66,640
4. Massachusetts – $66,050
5. District of Columbia – $66,000

Top 10 Highest Paying Metropolitan Areas for EKG Technicians

Only three of the top 10 highest paying metropolitan areas for EKG technician salary are located in the top paying states above. Again, Alaska is located at the #1 spot. Most of this is due to the recruitment and retention programs associate with Alaska's location. Here is the top 10 list of highest paying metropolitan areas for EKG technicians:

1. Anchorage, AK - $82,480
2. Brockton, MA - $$81,630
3. Stockton, CA - $78,030
4. Oxnard, CA - $75,080
5. Las Cruces, NM - $72,760
6. Medford, OR - $71,940
7. Billings, MT - $71,390
8. Tacoma, WA - $70,060
9. Reading, PA - $69,620
10. Manchester, NH - $69,340

EKG Technician Training

EKG technician programs are designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in this health-related career. Many training programs can be completed within two years, allowing students to earn a very competitive salary without spending 4-6 years in college.

Future Job Outlook

According to the BLS, the future job growth for diagnostic medical sonographers and EKG technicians is expected to grow much faster than average. By 2020, the EKG technician occupation is expected to increase by 39%, creating more than 42,000 new EKG technician jobs across the country. It is this reason why many students are enrolling in EKG technician schools.