Cardiologist
Diagnose and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
- $496,010
- 14+ years after high school
Healthcare career
Cardiovascular Technologist
Also called: Cardiac Sonographer · Cath Lab Technologist · EKG Technician · Vascular Technologist
What cardiovascular technologists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a cardiovascular technologist do?
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians perform tests such as EKGs, echocardiograms, stress tests and cardiac catheterization support to help diagnose heart and vascular conditions. The median pay is $74,310 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2 years, and employment is projected to grow +3.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$74,310$35.73/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.7%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year3,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs64,500Employment, 2025
What cardiovascular technologists do
Cardiovascular technologists are heart-testing specialists. Depending on their focus, they perform EKGs and stress tests, image the heart with ultrasound (echocardiography), scan blood vessels for clots and blockages, or assist cardiologists during catheterizations and stent procedures in the cath lab.
Most complete an associate degree in cardiovascular technology or sonography and earn credentials such as RDCS or RCIS. EKG technicians may train in short programs.
Typical duties
- Perform EKGs and stress tests
- Do echocardiograms
- Scan blood vessels with ultrasound
- Assist in cardiac catheterization
- Monitor patients during procedures
- Prepare images and measurements for physicians
- Maintain equipment
Work environment and schedule
Technologists work in hospitals, cardiology clinics and imaging centers, including cath labs.
Schedule: Most work full-time; cath lab staff take call for heart attack emergencies.
A day in the life
- Set up the cath lab.
- Assist with a diagnostic catheterization.
- Monitor vital signs during a stent placement.
- Run a treadmill stress test.
See a full day in the life of a cardiovascular technologist →
Cardiovascular Technologist salary
Half of cardiovascular technologists earned more than $74,310 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $39,000 for the lowest 10% to $121,350 for the top 10%.
Full cardiovascular technologist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a cardiovascular technologist
- Take science courses
- Complete an accredited program
- Complete clinical training
- Earn credentials
- Specialize
An associate degree in cardiovascular technology or sonography is typical; some earn a bachelor’s degree or train in shorter EKG programs.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a cardiovascular technologist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- EKG interpretation basics
- Echocardiography
- Vascular ultrasound
- Cath lab procedures
- Hemodynamic monitoring
People skills
- Calm under pressure
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Teamwork
All cardiovascular technologist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Important role in heart care
- Good pay for an associate degree
- Hands-on technology
- Several specialties
Cons
- Cath lab call
- Radiation exposure in cath labs
- Physically demanding scanning
- High-stress emergencies
Certifications and licenses
- RDCS: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (ARDMS).
- RCIS: Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (CCI).
- RVT: Registered Vascular Technologist.
- CCT: Certified Cardiographic Technician.
Career path
- EKG Technician: Entry role.
- Cardiovascular Technologist: Advanced testing.
- Lead Technologist: Lead labs.
- Cardiovascular Services Manager: Manage departments.
Learn the job before day one
Our Cardiovascular Technologist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as perform a 12-lead EKG and scan for a deep vein thrombosis, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Cardiovascular Tech vs. Cardiologist · Cardiovascular Tech vs. Sonographer · Cardiovascular Tech vs. Rad Tech · Cardiovascular Tech vs. Medical Assistant
Cardiovascular Technologist FAQ
Do cardiovascular techs need a degree?
An associate degree is typical.
What’s the difference between an EKG tech and a cardiovascular technologist?
EKG techs mainly do EKGs and monitoring; technologists perform advanced imaging or invasive procedures.
Is there call?
Cath lab staff usually take call.
How much does a cardiovascular technologist make?
The median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists was $74,310 ($35.73 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,000 and the highest 10% earned more than $121,350.
How long does it take to become a cardiovascular technologist?
Most people need about 2 years of training. An associate degree in cardiovascular technology or sonography is typical; some earn a bachelor’s degree or train in shorter EKG programs.
Do you need a degree to be a cardiovascular technologist?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
More cardiovascular technologist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-2031 (Cardiovascular technologists and technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Cardiovascular technologists and technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.