Updated: Feb 25
Want to know if you can negotiate your salary as a new sonographer? Yes, you definitely should! Learn what it means to negotiate, how to negotiate and what not to do when negotiating.
Can a Brand New Sonographer Negotiate Their Salary?
Yes, you should try negotiating your salary as a new grad sonographer. There are no rules that say you can't. If you negotiate, no one will scold or punish you, and the experience will be useful to you in the future. In fact, according to Glassdoor, your potential employer expects it, and you should do it. But you need to know what you're up against before you start salary negotiations. It is important to realize that most employers may not be willing to negotiate with new sonography school grads, but you should still do it anyway. Most companies have internal salary ranges they won't cross.
There are several reasons why your first job offer as a newly minted sonographer might be lower than you had anticipated:
You don't have any experience in the field.
Your employer knows you are more likely than an experienced sonographer to be flexible on salary.
Because you lack experience, your options will be limited, and they know this.
You will still require months of training and will not take call during this time.
What Does It Mean to Negotiate Salary?
When negotiating your employment terms, don't forget about the little things. In addition to your salary, several other items can be up for negotiation. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. The worst that can happen is that your employer says no. But you may be surprised at what you can get if you're willing to ask.
Negotiating isn't only about your salary. You can negotiate:
401k / 403b
Hiring/signing bonuses
Vacation time
Personal days and sick leave
Parental leave
Tuition reimbursement
Student loan repayment
Child care reimbursement
Professional development or CME allowance
Telecommuting options
Flextime
Relocation assistance
Travel allowances
Commuting reimbursement
Gym membership reimbursement
Job titles
Why Is It Important for Sonographers to Negotiate Their Salary?
There are many reasons why sonographers need to negotiate their salary. First and foremost, sonographers are in high demand so that they can command a higher salary. Additionally, negotiating their salary allows sonographers to ensure they are paid a fair wage for their experience and qualifications. Finally, by negotiating their salary, sonographers can set themselves up for future success by ensuring they are paid what they are worth.
What Influences a Sonographer's Salary?
Sonographers' salaries differ according to their credentials, education (AS, BS, MS), experience, business type (non-profit or for-profit), location, and what they negotiate.
What Are the Steps Sonographers Should Take Before Negotiating their Salary?
Research What The Market Rate Is For Your Position
When looking for a new job, it is important to research the market rate for your position. This will help you to negotiate a fair salary with your potential employer. There are a few different ways to research the market rate for your position. You can look online at salary comparison websites or talk to people in similar positions to you and see what they are being paid. This will give you a good idea of your position's going rate. Once you know the market rate, you can start to negotiate a fair salary with your potential employer. Remember, it is important to be prepared and to know what you are worth before you start any salary negotiations.
Useful websites:
US Bureau of Labor Statistics - National Compensation Survey
US Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wages
Payscale - Sonographer Salary
Ziprecruiter - Sonographer Salary
Indeed - Salary Finder
Salary.com - Sonographer Salary
Glassdoor - Sonographer Salaries
Practice Negotiating
If the idea of negotiating makes you anxious, you are not alone. To be, prepared, you should get some experience under your belt first. You can get practice negotiating with a friend or relative in a variety of settings, including in person, over the phone, or via email. The second person can act as though they are the hiring manager. It would help if you got in as much practice as possible until you reach a point where you are confident.
Request More Time
Once you are offered the job, the employer will make you an offer. If the salary or benefits are not what you expected you can request a few days to consider it.
How to Negotiate Salary After You Get a Job Offer?
Don't be afraid to negotiate. The worst that can happen is they say no.
Do your research. Know what the going rate is for your position and what you're worth.
Be prepared to walk away. If they're not willing to meet your needs, be prepared to walk away from the offer.
Be confident. You need to believe in yourself and your worth in order to negotiate effectively.
Know your bottom line. What is the minimum you're willing to accept?
Be willing to compromise. Be open to giving and taking in order to come to an agreement.
Be professional and honest. Remember, this is a business transaction.
Be timely. The longer you wait to respond to an offer, the less leverage you have.
Be assertive. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself.
Be thankful. At the end of the day, remember that you're being given an opportunity. Be thankful for that.
What Sonographers Should You Not Do When Negotiating a Salary?
When you're negotiating a salary for a new position, there are a few things you should avoid doing if you want to be taken seriously:
Don't be condescending. This includes talking down to the person you're negotiating with or acting like you're better than them.
Don't give ultimatums. This means you shouldn't threaten to walk away from the negotiation if you don't get what you want.
Don't make it all about you. The negotiation should be about finding a mutually beneficial agreement, not just about getting what you want.
Don't lie. This is self-explanatory, but it's important to remember that honesty is always the best policy.
Prepare Now for a Higher Salary Later in Your Career
Even if you are unlikely to earn more money or receive additional benefits negotiating as a new grad, learning how to advocate for what is in your best interests and negotiate will help you in the long run. Sonographers can increase their earning potential at their current and future jobs by obtaining ARDMS or CCI certifications in their specialties.
Getting that certification shows and proves via an evaluation and exam that you are competent and certified as a sonographer.
