In short
Cardiovascular technologists usually earn an associate degree and a professional credential, such as from Cardiovascular Credentialing International. They assist with heart catheterizations, run EKGs and stress tests and monitor patients. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians earned a median of $74,310 in May 2025, per BLS.
| Median pay | $74,310 a year, about $35.73 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Typical way in | Associate degree |
| Jobs in the U.S. | About 64,500 (2025) |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | Projected growth of 3.7% |
| Openings each year | About 3,400 on average, including replacements |
| Credentials | Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) exams |
| Where they work | Hospitals, cardiology offices |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 and May 2025 wages, BLS. National figures; pay where you live can be higher or lower, and starting pay is lower than the median.
Specialties
Invasive cardiology techs work in cath labs alongside cardiologists. Others focus on noninvasive testing like EKGs and Holter monitors. Echocardiography, heart ultrasound, is often covered under sonography.
Questions people ask
How long does it take?
About two years for an associate degree.
Is it stressful?
Cath lab work can be intense and include on-call shifts.
What is the difference with an EKG tech?
EKG techs often train in short programs and do a narrower set of tests.