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The differences between diagnostic medical sonographers and ultrasonographers 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 an ultrasonographer. Additionally, a diagnostic medical sonographer has an average salary of $85,607, which is higher than the $79,249 average annual salary of an ultrasonographer.
The top three skills for a diagnostic medical sonographer include patients, ARDMS and patient care. The most important skills for an ultrasonographer are patients, patient care, and radiology.
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Ultrasonographer | |
| Yearly salary | $85,607 | $79,249 |
| Hourly rate | $41.16 | $38.10 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 58,800 | 13,346 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Associate Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| 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.
Ultrasonographers are medical professionals who use ultrasound and imaging equipment to form images of many parts of the body to help doctors diagnose and treat many medical conditions. These sonographers must ensure that the quality of images is excellent by operating imaging equipment and reviewing those images so that they can be useful for diagnosis. They are required to prepare patients for ultrasound exam procedures while providing proper education throughout the exam. Ultrasonographers must also review the medical history of patients and coordinate care with various departments within the hospital.
Diagnostic medical sonographers and ultrasonographers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Ultrasonographer | |
| Average salary | $85,607 | $79,249 |
| Salary range | Between $52,000 And $139,000 | Between $47,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eureka, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | St. Mary's Health Inc. | Blessing Hospital Emergency Room |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a diagnostic medical sonographer and an ultrasonographer in terms of educational background:
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Ultrasonographer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Associate Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between diagnostic medical sonographers' and ultrasonographers' demographics:
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Ultrasonographer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 13.4% Female, 86.6% | Male, 14.6% Female, 85.4% |
| 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, 4.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |