Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
SOC code 29-2031 · O*NET-SOC 29-2031.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$74,310
a year
Hourly
$35.73
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$76,940
$36.99 per hour
Middle 50%
$47,890 – $98,110
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$39,000 – $121,350
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
62,960
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $39,000
- $18.75/hr
- 25th percentile
- $47,890
- $23.02/hr
- Median percentile
- $74,310
- $35.73/hr
- 75th percentile
- $98,110
- $47.17/hr
- 90th percentile
- $121,350
- $58.34/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+3%
Growing about as fast as average
64,700
jobs in 2024
66,600
projected for 2034
About 1,900 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do cardiovascular technologists and technicians do?
Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
- Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities.
- Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Observe ultrasound display screen and listen to signals to record vascular information, such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, or cerebral circulation.
- Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
- Assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac or peripheral vascular treatments, such as implanting pacemakers or assisting with balloon angioplasties to treat blood vessel blockages.
- Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 63% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree63%
- Post-Secondary Certificate13%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)10%
- Some College Courses8%
Common questions
How much does a cardiovascular technologists and technicians earn?
The national median is $74,310 a year. The full range runs from $39,000 at the 10th percentile to $121,350 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a cardiovascular technologists and technicians without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is cardiovascular technologists and technicians in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 3% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Monitoring3.8/5
- Reading Comprehension3.6/5
- Writing3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.9/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.3/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
- Mathematics2.9/5
- Public Safety and Security2.8/5
- Administrative2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Judgment and Decision Making.