Job outlooks for Medical sonographers

Discover the employment prospects for your dream job across Canada, or compare different occupations.

Occupation

ultrasound technologist (32122)

Location

All regions across Canada

Did you know? You can visit the Open Government Portal to search through and download our Employment Outlooks data all in one place. There, you will find current and previous versions of our 3-Year Employment Outlooks reports for the periods of 2013-2015 to 2025-2027. View the dataset on the Open Government Portal.

These outlooks were updated on December 10, 2025.

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Good
5 out of 5 stars
Very good

  • Newfoundland and LabradorUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

  • Prince Edward IslandUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • Nova ScotiaGood

    The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in Nova Scotia:

    • Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 77%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 23%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 69% compared to 82% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 31% compared to 18% for all occupations
    • 62% of medical sonographers work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • 7% of medical sonographers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: less than 5% compared to 51% for all occupations
      • Women: more than 95% compared to 49% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 47% compared to 20% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 16% compared to 10% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Halifax Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • New BrunswickUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

  • QuebecModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in Quebec:

    • Approximately 550 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 87%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 11%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 84% compared to 82% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 16% compared to 18% for all occupations
    • 78% of medical sonographers work all year, while 22% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 12% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 88% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 78% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Estrie Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Laval Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region, for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region,:

      • Approximately 290 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

    • Montréal Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the census metropolitan area of Montréal:

      • Approximately 290 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

  • OntarioGood

    The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    What Types of Employers Are Out There?

    • Hospitals
    • Medical and diagnostic laboratories

    What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

    • Increased need for health-related services to support the growing and aging population in Ontario
    • Prevalence of certain chronic illnesses and need for diagnostic imaging procedures such as ultrasounds to assist in detecting and treating conditions
    • Greater demand on the health care system because of a backlog of medical procedures and patient care needs
    • Investments in new hospitals

    What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

    • Medical sonographers are regulated by the College of Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists of Ontario (CMRITO)
    • Registration with Sonography Canada and/or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is often required.

    Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in Ontario:

    • Approximately 4,000 people work in this occupation.
    • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 51%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 47%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 81% compared to 81% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 19% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • 64% of medical sonographers work all year, while 36% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • 7% of medical sonographers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 14% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 86% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 35% compared to 24% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 36% compared to 13% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region:

      • Approximately 430 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Kingston–Pembroke Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Kingston - Pembroke region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Kingston - Pembroke region:

      • Approximately 90 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region:

      • Approximately 230 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 95%

    • London Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the London region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the London region:

      • Approximately 230 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Northeast Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Northeast region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Northeast region:

      • Approximately 160 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Ottawa Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Ottawa region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Ottawa region:

      • Approximately 280 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Toronto Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be Very good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Toronto region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Toronto region:

      • Approximately 2,180 people work in this occupation.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Windsor-Sarnia Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Windsor - Sarnia region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Windsor - Sarnia region:

      • Approximately 120 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

  • ManitobaGood

    The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in Manitoba:

    • Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 90%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 10%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 80% compared to 81% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 20% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • 80% of medical sonographers work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 7% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 93% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 50% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 43% compared to 20% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 7% compared to 8% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • North Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • SaskatchewanVery good

    The employment outlook will be Very good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in Saskatchewan:

    • Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 51%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 49%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 85% compared to 81% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 15% compared to 19% for all occupations
    • 64% of medical sonographers work all year, while 36% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 11% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 89% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 85% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 18% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

    Regional outlooks

    • Saskatoon–Biggar Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be Very good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Saskatoon - Biggar region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Saskatoon - Biggar region:

      • Approximately 90 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

  • AlbertaVery good

    The employment outlook will be Very good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in Alberta:

    • Approximately 1,950 people work in this occupation.
    • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 67%
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 31%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 84% compared to 80% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 16% compared to 20% for all occupations
    • 66% of medical sonographers work all year, while 34% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • Less than 5% of medical sonographers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 17% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 83% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 56% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 24% compared to 21% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 14% compared to 9% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Calgary Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be Very good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Calgary region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Calgary region:

      • Approximately 460 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Edmonton Region Very good

      The employment outlook will be Very good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Edmonton region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Edmonton region:

      • Approximately 410 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

  • British ColumbiaGood

    The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Labour shortages continue to affect the delivery of health care services in various parts of the province, especially in northern and rural areas.

    Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in British Columbia:

    • Approximately 900 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 75%
      • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 24%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 82% compared to 78% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 18% compared to 22% for all occupations
    • 77% of medical sonographers work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • Less than 5% of medical sonographers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 15% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 85% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 44% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 37% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 15% compared to 12% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Cariboo Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Lower Mainland–Southwest Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region:

      • Approximately 570 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Nechako Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Thompson–Okanagan Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Thompson - Okanagan region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Thompson - Okanagan region:

      • Approximately 80 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): more than 95%

    • Vancouver Island and Coast Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for medical sonographers (NOC 32122) in the Vancouver Island and Coast region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about medical sonographers in the Vancouver Island and Coast region:

      • Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Medical sonographers mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 92%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 8%

  • Yukon TerritoryUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • Northwest TerritoriesUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • NunavutUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

Related links

Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) - Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Labour Market Information Survey
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