Do EKG techs make good money? If you’re looking for a career in healthcare that pays well and doesn’t require a ton of schooling, becoming an EKG tech may be the perfect path for you. EKG techs specialize in electrocardiography, which involves the use of electrodes to measure the electrical activity of the heart. As an EKG tech, you’ll be responsible for setting up the equipment, positioning the electrodes on the patient, and recording the results for a physician to interpret. But what’s most appealing about this career is the solid paycheck that comes with it.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for EKG techs is over $57,000. That’s well above the national average income for most Americans. Plus, the demand for qualified EKG techs is on the rise, which means more job opportunities and potential for growth. A career in healthcare can be both rewarding and lucrative, and an EKG tech role is a great entry-level position to get your foot in the door.
If you’re someone who enjoys working with people, has a keen attention to detail, and is looking for a secure career with a good paycheck, becoming an EKG tech could be a smart move. With the right training and experience, you could find yourself on a path to success in no time at all. So if you’re asking yourself, “Do EKG techs make good money?”, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s a career worth considering if you’re looking for a fulfilling job in healthcare that pays well.
Average Salary of EKG Techs
EKG techs, also known as electrocardiogram technicians, are specialized healthcare workers who are responsible for conducting diagnostic tests to measure and record the electrical activity of the heart. As a highly-trained individual in the medical field, the compensation of EKG techs is a major consideration for individuals who are interested in pursuing this career path.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of EKG techs in the United States is $37,590 per year, or $18.06 per hour. However, this figure may vary depending on several factors such as education, experience, location, and type of employer.
Factors that Affect EKG Techs’ Salaries
- Education – EKG techs with higher levels of education or certifications may earn higher salaries than those who only have a high school diploma.
- Experience – Senior EKG techs who have several years of experience may be able to command higher salaries compared to entry-level techs.
- Location – EKG techs who are based in urban areas or states with higher costs of living may earn higher salaries to compensate for the higher cost of living.
Employer and Industry
The salary of EKG techs may also vary depending on the type of employer or industry they work in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top industries that employ EKG technicians and their respective salaries are as follows:
| Industry | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | $38,280 |
| Offices of Physicians | $36,990 |
| Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories | $35,930 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $35,340 |
| Ambulatory Healthcare Services | $34,400 |
It is important to note that the salary of EKG techs may also increase with advancements in their careers. EKG techs who have gained additional skills and are promoted to positions such as lead techs, supervisors or managers may also earn higher salaries compared to those who remain in entry-level roles.
Factors that Affect EKG Tech Salary
As an EKG tech, one of the most important questions on your mind is likely how much money you can make in this field. The salary of an EKG tech can vary based on a number of different factors, some of which may surprise you. Let’s take a closer look at the key factors that can affect your earning potential as an EKG tech.
Location
- One of the biggest factors that can impact your salary as an EKG tech is your location. Salaries for EKG techs can vary widely depending on the state and city in which you work.
- For example, the average annual salary for an EKG tech in New York City is around $52,000, while the average salary for an EKG tech in Dallas, Texas is closer to $31,000.
- Factors that can impact your salary based on location include the cost of living in the area, the demand for EKG techs in that region, and the availability of healthcare jobs in general.
Education and Experience
Your level of education and experience can also play a major role in determining your salary as an EKG tech. In general, the more education and experience you have in this field, the higher your earning potential can be.
Many EKG techs begin their careers with just a high school diploma and on-the-job training, but it is possible to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in cardiovascular technology, which can lead to higher paying positions.
Certifications and Specializations
Certifications and specializations can also impact your salary as an EKG tech. Depending on the facility you work at, you may be required to have certain certifications or to specialize in a particular area of cardiovascular technology.
For example, obtaining a Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) certification from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities in some cases.
Shift and Hours Worked
| Shift | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Day Shift | $30,000 – $40,000 per year |
| Night Shift | $35,000 – $45,000 per year |
| Weekend Shift | $40,000 – $50,000 per year |
The shift and hours you work can also impact your salary as an EKG tech. Generally speaking, working less desirable shifts, such as night and weekend shifts, can result in higher salaries.
Additionally, some facilities offer bonuses or higher pay rates for working overtime or taking on additional shifts.
Highest Paying Industries for EKG Techs
If you’re interested in becoming an EKG technician, it’s important to know that compensation can be influenced by the industry you work in. Here are some of the highest paying industries for EKG techs:
- Hospitals: Working in a hospital as an EKG tech can result in some of the highest salaries in the field. Hospitals often require EKG techs to work longer and more irregular hours, but the higher pay can make it worth the effort.
- Diagnostic Laboratories: EKG techs who work in diagnostic labs will often be required to work with other technologies and diagnostics in order to get an accurate picture of a patient’s health. This makes the job more complex and demands a higher level of skill from the tech, resulting in higher pay.
- Outpatient Care Centers: In a non-hospital setting, outpatient care centers can offer excellent pay for EKG techs. These facilities often require techs to work with a high volume of patients, making the job more challenging but also more lucrative.
As you can see, there are still plenty of options for EKG technicians who are looking to increase their earning potential. Whether you’re interested in working in a hospital, a diagnostic laboratory, or an outpatient care center, there are opportunities out there for well-compensated and rewarding work.
Highest Paying Industries for EKG Techs by Location
Another factor that can influence how much you can make as an EKG technician is where you live and work. Here are some of the highest paying metropolitan areas for EKG techs:
- Mankato, MN: EKG techs in Mankato earn an average of $68,030 per year, making it one of the highest paying cities in the country for this profession.
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA: EKG techs in the Bay Area can earn an average of $60,740 annually. The high cost of living in this region is offset by the excellent pay for healthcare professionals.
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA: This coastal town offers an average salary of $59,750 for EKG techs, making it another top-paying location for this job.
| Metropolitan Area | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Mankato, MN | $68,030 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $60,740 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $59,750 |
Of course, what you earn as an EKG technician will also depend on your years of experience, level of education, and any specialized skills you may have. But by keeping these factors in mind, you can focus your job search on locations and industries that offer the best pay for your skills and experience.
EKG Tech Jobs with the Best Salary Packages
If you are considering a career as an EKG tech, you might be wondering whether the salary is worth the investment of your time and money. The good news is that EKG techs make good money on average, and there are some jobs that offer particularly attractive salary packages. Here are some EKG tech jobs you should consider if you want to earn top dollar:
- Electrophysiology Technologist: Electrophysiology technologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders. They work directly with cardiologists in a hospital or outpatient setting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for this position is $57, 720. However, top earners can make over $86,000 per year.
- Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist: Invasive cardiovascular technologists work in cardiac catheterization labs, assisting cardiologists during procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement. The median annual salary for this position is $55,270, but top earners can make over $81,000 per year.
- EKG Supervisor: EKG supervisors manage EKG techs and oversee the EKG department in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare facility. The median annual salary for this position is $68,000, but top earners can make over $100,000 per year.
Of course, salary is not the only factor to consider when choosing a career as an EKG tech. You should also consider factors such as job growth, work-life balance, and job satisfaction. However, if you are looking for a career that offers a good salary and a potential for growth, these EKG tech jobs are definitely worth considering.
EKG Tech Salary by State
The salary for EKG techs can vary significantly by state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paying states for this occupation are:
| State | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $63,010 |
| California | $62,760 |
| Alaska | $61,460 |
| Massachusetts | $59,750 |
| Washington | $59,640 |
It is important to note that the cost of living in these states is generally higher than in other parts of the country. Therefore, even though the salaries are higher, you may not actually be able to keep as much of your paycheck due to higher expenses such as housing, food, and transportation. However, if you are able to find an EKG tech job with a high salary in a state where the cost of living is lower, you may be able to save more money and enjoy a higher quality of life overall.
Geographic Location and EKG Tech Salaries
Geographic location plays a significant role in determining the salary of an EKG tech. Some states and cities offer higher salaries compared to others. Below are some factors that affect the salary of EKG techs:
- Cost of living: High cost of living cities generally pay higher salaries to employees to match the high living expenses.
- State economy: Some states have a higher demand for healthcare workers, leading to higher salaries for EKG techs.
- Population: Cities with a large population generally have a higher demand for EKG techs, which can lead to higher salaries.
If you’re looking to become an EKG tech, research the average salaries in your state and city to help you make informed career decisions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for EKG techs is $57,720 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on location and experience. Here is a list of the top five highest paying states for EKG techs:
| State | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $76,950 |
| Alaska | $72,380 |
| California | $68,140 |
| Massachusetts | $65,930 |
| New Jersey | $64,710 |
Note that the table above only shows the top five highest paying states. Salaries in other states can be significantly lower, ranging between $30,000 to $60,000 annually.
Advancement Opportunities for EKG Techs
For those who want to advance their career, being an EKG tech can be a great stepping stone. Many EKG techs go on to pursue higher education and become nurses and other healthcare professionals.
- Education: EKG techs can continue their education and become certified in other related fields such as cardiovascular technology, sonography, or medical assisting.
- Specialization: EKG techs can specialize in certain areas such as pediatrics, stress testing, and echocardiography.
- Supervision: With enough experience, EKG techs can become supervisors or managers within the department.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cardiovascular technologists and technicians can make a median annual salary of $68,750, which is significantly higher than the median annual salary of EKG techs. These positions also have a higher projected job growth rate compared to EKG techs.
However, becoming a cardiovascular technologist or technician often requires additional education and certification, which may not be feasible for everyone. EKG techs can still make a good salary and have opportunities for advancement within their field.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth 2019-2029 |
|---|---|---|
| EKG Tech | $30,280 | 5% |
| Cardiovascular Technologist/Technician | $68,750 | 7% |
Comparison of EKG Tech Salaries with Other Healthcare Jobs
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an EKG tech, you might be wondering about the earning potential of this profession. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at EKG tech salaries and how they compare to other healthcare jobs.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for EKG techs is $57,720.
- Other healthcare jobs with similar salaries include diagnostic medical sonographers, who earn a median annual salary of $74,320, and respiratory therapists, who earn a median annual salary of $62,040.
- There are also several healthcare jobs that earn higher salaries than EKG techs, such as nurse anesthetists, who earn a median annual salary of $183,580, and physician assistants, who earn a median annual salary of $112,260.
Despite the fact that EKG tech salaries are lower than some other healthcare professions, it’s worth noting that this is still a stable and rewarding career choice. EKG techs play an important role in helping doctors diagnose and treat patients, and there is a demand for trained professionals in this field.
Here’s a table that compares the median annual salaries for EKG techs with other healthcare professions:
| Profession | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| EKG Tech | $57,720 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $74,320 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $62,040 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $183,580 |
| Physician Assistant | $112,260 |
Overall, if you’re passionate about healthcare and looking for a stable career with growth potential, becoming an EKG tech is definitely worth considering. While it may not be the highest-paying profession in the field, it offers competitive salaries and valuable experience working in a medical setting.
FAQs: Do EKG Techs Make Good Money?
1. What is the average salary for EKG techs?
On average, EKG techs earn around $57,000 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. What factors influence an EKG tech’s salary?
Experience, location, and certification can all impact an EKG tech’s salary. EKG techs with more experience and certifications may command higher salaries, as well as those working in areas with a higher cost of living.
3. Are there any additional benefits that EKG techs receive?
EKG techs may receive benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off, depending on their employer.
4. How can EKG techs increase their earning potential?
EKG techs can increase their earning potential by obtaining additional certifications and taking on specialized roles within their field.
5. What is the job outlook for EKG techs?
The job outlook for EKG techs is positive, with a projected growth rate of 9% from 2020-2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
6. Is becoming an EKG tech a good career choice?
Becoming an EKG tech can be a good career choice for those interested in the healthcare field who enjoy working with patients and diagnostic equipment. With a competitive salary and positive job outlook, it can be a fulfilling and stable career path.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for reading about the earning potential of EKG techs! Becoming an EKG tech can provide a stable and fulfilling career path in the healthcare field. If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to check back for more informative articles in the future.