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The differences between diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular sonographers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a diagnostic medical sonographer and a cardiovascular sonographer. Additionally, a diagnostic medical sonographer has an average salary of $85,607, which is higher than the $80,456 average annual salary of a cardiovascular sonographer.
The top three skills for a diagnostic medical sonographer include patients, ARDMS and patient care. The most important skills for a cardiovascular sonographer are patients, BLS, and RDCS.
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Cardiovascular Sonographer | |
| Yearly salary | $85,607 | $80,456 |
| Hourly rate | $41.16 | $38.68 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 58,800 | 13,174 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Associate Degree, 56% |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer uses ultrasound high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body tissues. Some typical duties include preparing patients, explaining the exams, and reporting the results to the patients or a physician.
A cardiovascular sonographer specializes in operating non-invasive imaging equipment to help physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular issues. They conduct imaging test procedures and assist patients by answering questions, preparing them for the tests, helping them understand the process, providing step-by-step instructions, and making them feel at ease the entire time. They are also responsible for evaluating the images, utilizing their knowledge to sort out abnormalities detected. Moreover, as a cardiovascular sonographer, it is essential to produce accurate results, all while maintaining a transparent and open communication line with physicians and nurses.
Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular sonographers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Cardiovascular Sonographer | |
| Average salary | $85,607 | $80,456 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $139,000 | Between $55,000 And $117,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eureka, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | St. Mary's Health Inc. | - |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a diagnostic medical sonographer and a cardiovascular sonographer in terms of educational background:
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Cardiovascular Sonographer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Associate Degree, 56% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between diagnostic medical sonographers' and cardiovascular sonographers' demographics:
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Cardiovascular Sonographer | |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 13.4% Female, 86.6% | Male, 23.7% Female, 76.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 13.9% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |