EKG Technician Salary
EKG technicians, also known as cardiographic technicians, specialize in performing electrocardiographs, or EKG's for short. EKG's measure electrical impulses that are emitted by the heart via skin electrodes. It is a form of heart stress testing using holter monitors in which electrodes are attached to the body in specific areas in order to capture the hearts impulses. EKG Technician Training involves learning about heart rhythms and how to properly utilize the equipment to get accurate measurements, which are handed over to physicians for diagnosis.
Salary for EKG technicians may vary depending upon several factors. Those who are trained in holter monitoring or who have multiple skills within the wider field of cardiovascular technology will generally be compensated higher. Other factors that effect salary are geographic location, years of experience, and the type of facility you are employed in. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who worked in physician's offices were paid slightly higher than those who worked in hospitals.
EKG Technician Salary
| Position | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| EKG Technician | $32,800 | $47,010 | $74,760 |
EKG Technician Salary Compared To Related Health Care Jobs
| Position | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| EKG Technician | $32,800 | $47,010 | $74,760 |
| Phlebotomist | $24,315 | $26,717 | $29,120 |
| Radiologic Technologist | $41,612 | $52,336 | $81,136 |
| Ultrasound Technician | $40,960 | $67,670 | $77,520 |
*data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics
EKG Technician Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, cardiovascular tech and EKG technician jobs are expected to grow much faster than the national average. Projections for job growth are expected at 24% through 2018. This means that there will be plenty of opportunity for those pursing a career as an EKG tech well into the future. The significant demand for these trained professionals can be attributed to the increasing needs of the aging baby boomer population. Studies have shown that when baby boomers reach the age of 65, their need for heart monitoring and related procedures triples.
Promotion Opportunities for EKG Tech’s
EKG tech’s can increase their career and salary opportunities by expanding their skill sets within the wider field of cardiovascular technology roles. The first step in expanding one’s skills is to become trained in holter monitoring. Entry level EKG tech’s sometimes are not trained in holter monitoring and treadmill tests. Getting certified and cross-trained in additional procedures such as echocardiography and vascular technology can open up additional possibilities for career expansion.