By: Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC

Part One How Much Does an EKG Technician Make?

The average EKG technician salary is $60,570 as of May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to Payscale.com, EKG technicians earned $16.51 per hour or $39,906 per year. 

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,070. 

Part Two EKG Technician Salary by State

Via ZipRecruiter.com

Part Three EKG Technician Salary by Years of Experience

EKG technicians have the ability to increase their hourly wage based on experience. According to Payscale.com as of February 2023, EKG technicians earn the following, 

• Less than 1 years of experience earn an average hourly salary of $15.43
• 1-4 years of experience earn an average hourly salary of $15.71
• 5-9 years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $16.91
• 10-19 years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $18.62
• 20+ years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $21

Part Four EKG Tech Salary by Work Setting

EKG technicians can work in a variety of settings but the highest earners were in outpatient care centers. According to the BLS, EKG technicians earned the following annual salaries,

• Outpatient care centers: $78,590
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $74,660
• Offices of physicians: $62,220
• Hospitals; state, local, or private: $60,230

Part Five How to Make More Money as an EKG Technician

If you’re interested in increasing your earnings potential as an EKG technician, you have several good options. These include:

Negotiation

This might be uncomfortable for some EKG technicians but is one of the most effective methods of getting an increase in pay. 

EKG technicians with experience and increased levels of training will find an easier time negotiating for a higher salary. The key to an effective negotiation is to do your research. Ensure you know what other facilities in your area are paying for people with your qualifications. 

Overtime

EKG technicians who work overtime are entitled to increased pay for their additional work hours. Generally, this is considered time and a half pay.  In most cases, this means working over 40 hours a week. 

The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that all "non-exempt" employees receive overtime pay equal to one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for every hour over 40 hours worked during a work week. 

Per Diem or Contract Employment

Per diem and contract employees earn a higher wage than staff members. They are paid a premium for working less desirable shifts and having shifts canceled at any given time. 

Per diem employees are not offered guaranteed hours so remember that a paycheck most likely will not be consistent. This might not be a viable option for individuals with families who need a steady paycheck. 

Shift Differential

EKG technicians may have an opportunity to earn more income without increasing the number of hours they work. A shift differential means making increased per-hour pay for working nights, weekends, or holidays.

Hazard Pay

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, hazard pay means “additional pay for performing a hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship.” It may also include work duty that causes “extreme physical discomfort and distress.” 

Part Six Is Becoming an EKG Technician Worth it?

EKG technicians require less training than most other medical professionals and can be utilized as a building block to a more advanced healthcare degree. EKG technicians are only required to have a specialty EKG certification. Most programs can be completed in three to six months. 

Once you have at least one year of experience in the field working as an EKG tech, you are eligible for testing to become a certified EKG technician (CET) from the National Healthcare Association. National Performance Specialists also offer an EKG certification (CET). This certification program provides an e-learning platform that includes access to an academic supervisor, free practice tests, the ability to take the exam three times, and a digital copy of the EKG technician certification.

While the salaries for EKG technicians vary and are generally less than most other healthcare-related occupations, the cost of an EKG certification is minimal. 

In fact, most healthcare systems will reimburse individuals upon successful completion of an EKG course and certification. Additionally, the job outlook for EKG technicians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Part Seven Salaries of Related Healthcare Careers

MRI Technician - $77,360 

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for MRI technologists was $77,360 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,870. 

Surgical Technician - $48,530

According to the BLS, the national average for surgical technicians was $48,530 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,930, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $75,940. 

Radiology Technicians - $61,370

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for radiology technicians was $61,370 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,850, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,880. 

Ultrasound Techs - $75,380 

According to the BLS, the national average for ultrasound techs was $75,380 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,070.  

Part Eight FAQs EKG Technician

• Where Do EKG Technicians get Paid the Most?

  • According to the BLS, EKG technicians that work in outpatient care centers earn an average annual salary of $78,590 which is significantly more than the national average for this occupation. 

• Is Getting an EKG Certificate Worth it?

  • Passing a national EKG certification exam is required for most positions. These exams will test knowledge of anatomy, medical terminology, bedside manner, and more. 

• Can You Make a Living as an EKG Technician?

  • Yes, it is possible to make a living as an EKG technician; however, it depends on the area of the country and cost of living. Because EKG technicians earn lower wages than other healthcare professionals it is common to pick up overtime or even per diem positions. 

• Is Becoming an EKG Technician Hard?

  • All healthcare-related occupations require hard work and dedication. EKG Technicians are no different. This career does require the least amount of schooling but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t take effort and studying to pass the certification exam. 

• How Long is EKG Technician Training?

  • EKG Technician training takes roughly three to six months to complete.