An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, is a type of medical diagnostic test that checks the heart's electrical activity. This test can diagnose heart disease, heart failure and heart attacks. An EKG technician is usually asked to run the test on the patient and write up the results for the physician. An EKG technician salary ranges depending on many factors. The first factor is based on
. schooling. Most EKG technicians must complete an associate's degree, which is a basic two year degree. They should then undergo job training under the supervision of a physician, or start getting certified by different programs. The more certifications and school courses they have, the higher the pay. Technicians with the most schooling and certifications completed can earn over $50,000 per year. Those with just an associate's degree and no certifications yet may earn only $28,000 per year. The second factor is experience. With most jobs pay increases as the person gains more experience with the job. Most job postings state that pay is commensurate, or proportional, to the amount of experience the person has when they are hired. EKG technicians that have worked at the job for years and also have the schooling may earn over $75,000 per year. That is usually the top 10 percent of all technicians. Most EKG technicians earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually based on their qualifications. Technicians just starting out can expect to earn slightly under $30,000 a year for their first year or two. The pay also fluctuates depending on the area the technician works in and the hospital. Many private hospitals are able to pay a higher salary compared to public hospitals. Areas with a high demand for technicians, such as very populated regions, may pay more as an incentive to get technicians to move to their area. For more information, please see: http://www.reference.com/motif/Health/12+lead+ekg+interpretation
