EKG Technician Salary Guide

Factors that Influence the EKG Tech Salary

While there are slight variances by geographic region in salary ranges for EKG technicians, work setting and professional experience are the greatest influencers of income. Additional information on salaries as well as a career as an EKG technician found at Payscale.com, Indeed.com, and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics is provided in the following paragraphs.

1. Geographic Area

EKG Technician Salary in the US

While salaried EKG technicians earn about $30,422 per year, those working for an hourly wage earn an average of $13 per hour. Starting pay for entry-level EKG technicians is about $20,500, increasing to more than $49,000 per year. Hourly wages range from just over minimum wage at $10 to more than $20. Overtime pay and shift differential can boost hourly earnings an additional $2 to more than $30. Bonus potential is limited, but some EKG technicians indicate earning about $300 in additional pay.

EKG Technician Salary in the UK

While the average EKG technician salary in the UK is £20,000, entry-level EKG technicians earn about £15,000 per year. With additional experience, annual earnings can increase to more than £25,000 per year. Salaries in and nearby London are higher with a high cost of living increased added by most employers in the private and public sector.

EKG Technician Salary in Australia

In Australia, EKG technicians earn about AU$48,000 per year. Those early in their careers can expect a starting salary of about AU$29,000 per year, increasing to more than AU$60,000 annually. Hourly wage earners make between AU$29 and AU$58 per hour, and overtime pay of an additional AU$50 per hour can boost overall earnings significantly.

EKG Technician Salary in New Zealand

At NZ$50,000 per year, EKG technicians in New Zealand earn a similar income to those in this career in Australia. Entry level EKG technicians earn about NZ$33,000 per year, and with experience and additional responsibility, annual pay can increase to more than NZ$65,000.

EKG Technician Salary in India

EKG technicians in India who are beginning their careers can expect to earn about Rs330,000 per year. With experience, earnings increase to an average of Rs357,000 annually. Those with the most experience and responsibility earn nearly Rs370,000 per year.

EKG Technician Salary in South Africa

In South Africa, EKG technicians earn between just over R116,000 and more than R320,400 per year, and the average income is nearly R228,000 annually. There is the potential to further increase earnings through an annual bonus of about R27,500.

2. Experience

The EKG tech salary increases with experience in all countries reviewed in this guide. While South Africa salary is on the lower end, the percentage of increase with experience over entry level pay is greatest at 176% or more than R204,400, followed by the US with an increase of 138%, or more than $28,500 per year.

The gap between entry level and senior level earnings is notable in Canada (C$35,000 or 117%), Australia (AU$31,000 or 107%) and New Zealand (NZ$32,000 or 97%). While experience garners higher pay in UK, at £10,000 or 67%, the increase is not as great as seen in other countries.

3. Industry

Most EKG technicians work in hospitals, although some are employed in physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging laboratories. Those employed in for-profit hospitals versus academic teaching settings may earn higher pay, while all hospital-based EKG technicians may have greater opportunities for overtime pay compared to those employed in physicians’ offices and diagnostic laboratories.

Working Hours

Most EKG technicians work full-time hours, but there are opportunities for part-time employment and flexible scheduling. While many work typical business hours between Monday through Friday, there are needs for evening, weekend, and holiday hours that come with employment in a 24-hour care facility such as hospitals.

Most EKG technicians indicate a positive work-life balance and high level of job satisfaction due to the flexible scheduling opportunities and employment in a growing field with technological advancement.

Bonuses and Benefit Packages

As an employee in the healthcare field, benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage are common; however, these benefits may be available to only full-time EKG technicians. Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time may also be offered to only full-time employees.

Overtime and shift differential pay is available, but the opportunities for this income may be greater for those who work in a hospital setting where diagnostic testing and emergency care is provided around the clock.

Job Outlook

A global aging population is expected to sustain strong demand for those providing cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, evolving technology used in preventive medicine is expected to replace invasive testing and care that can be more expensive. Therefore, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 24% growth in EKG technician jobs from 2014 to 2024.

This faster than average growth should support income levels and meet the number of new EKG technician graduates who will be job hunting in the future. To work as an EKG technician, an associate’s degree or post-secondary certificate of training is required. Most employers require certification, and some countries may require licensure or registration with the appropriate governing body.

Conclusion

Electrocardiograph technician salary lags behind the salaries of many healthcare professionals; however, the level of training and educational requirements are much lower. At just about two years of educational training required, the earning potential, job outlook, and opportunities to grow into a more advanced position justify the training investment. EKG technicians typically work full-time, but have often have opportunities for part-time positions, flexible schedules, and overtime hours at sizeable hourly wages.