How Much Do EKG Techs Make?

EKG (Electrocardiogram) technicians, also known as cardiographic technicians, typically earn between $29,000 and $60,000 per year, depending on various factors such as experience, location, and workplace setting. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that influence EKG tech salaries:

Average Salary

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for cardiovascular technicians, which includes EKG techs, is approximately $59,100 per year.
• Entry-level EKG techs: Those starting out with little to no experience can expect to make around $29,000 to $35,000 annually.
• Experienced EKG techs: With several years of experience, salaries can increase to $45,000 to $60,000 per year.

Factors Affecting Salary

1. Location:
   • Salaries vary widely depending on the geographic area. Urban centers, especially in states like California, New York, and Massachusetts, tend to offer higher pay for EKG techs, with average salaries ranging from $50,000 to $60,000.
   • In states with lower costs of living, such as Texas or Florida, EKG techs may earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually.
2. Workplace Setting:
   • Hospitals generally offer the highest pay for EKG techs, with annual salaries averaging between $40,000 and $60,000.
   • Outpatient care centers and physician’s offices tend to pay on the lower end, often in the range of $35,000 to $45,000.
3. Certifications and Experience:
   • Additional certifications such as becoming a Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) or Certified EKG Technician (CET) can lead to higher wages.
   • As techs gain more specialized skills, such as in stress testing or Holter monitoring, their earnings potential increases.

Career Growth and Opportunities

The field of cardiovascular technology is growing, and the demand for EKG techs is expected to rise as the population ages. Many EKG techs can advance to more specialized roles or supervisory positions, which offer even higher salaries.

For more detailed information on salary ranges, you can visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.