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Career overview · SOC 29-2031

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

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.

Also called: Cardiac Cath Lab Technologist (Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Technologist) · Cardiac Catheterization Technician · Cardiac Technician · Cardio Tech (Cardiovascular Technician) · Cardiology Technician · Cardiopulmonary Technician

Median pay (national)
$67,260
$37,890–$108,900 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
61,180
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+3%
~3,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for cardiovascular technologists and technicians shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $108,900 versus $37,890 at the bottom 10% — 2.9x. The median of $67,260 leaves roughly 62% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +3% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 3,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, Alaska pays the most for this role (median $118,510, +76% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $22,240 — a 433% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Science
  • Learning Strategies
  • Mathematics

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.
  • Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
  • Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
  • Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
  • Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities or changes in patient responses.
  • Prepare and position patients for testing.
  • Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, and operate the EKG machine to obtain a reading.
  • Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs when necessary, to ensure proper operation.
  • Supervise or train other cardiology technologists or students.
  • Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.

Tools & technology

  • JavaScript
  • MEDITECH software
  • Database software
  • Diagnostic image review software
  • Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM-compatible image acquisition and integration software products
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Hypertext preprocessor PHP
  • Information systems integration software
  • Internet or intranet image distribution software
  • Practice management software PMS
  • Pyxis MedStation software
  • Smart Digital Holter Monitor
  • Structured data entry software
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software

Knowledge areas

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • English Language
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Education and Training
  • Mathematics
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Administrative