Radiation therapist vs sonographer

The differences between radiation therapists and 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 radiation therapist and a sonographer. Additionally, a sonographer has an average salary of $85,898, which is higher than the $84,981 average annual salary of a radiation therapist.

The top three skills for a radiation therapist include patients, patient care and radiation oncologist. The most important skills for a sonographer are patients, sonography, and ARDMS.

Radiation therapist vs sonographer overview

	Radiation Therapist	Sonographer
Yearly salary	$84,981	$85,898
Hourly rate	$40.86	$41.30
Growth rate	6%	10%
Number of jobs	39,384	14,117
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 40%	Associate Degree, 57%
Average age	42	43
Years of experience	2	2

What does a radiation therapist do?

A radiation therapist is a medical professional who works in hospitals or cancer treatment centers and treats cancer and other diseases in patients by giving radiation treatments. Radiation therapists are required to explain the treatment plans to patients as well as conduct x-ray tests on patients to determine the exact location of the area that requires treatment. They must examine radiation machines to ensure that they are safe and working properly. Radiation therapists must also follow safety procedures to protect patients and themselves from overexposure.

What does a sonographer do?

A Sonographer performs diagnostic procedures using sonographic equipment. Their duties include preparing patients, explaining the exam, and performing the procedure.

Radiation therapist vs sonographer salary

Radiation therapists and sonographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Radiation Therapist	Sonographer
Average salary	$84,981	$85,898
Salary range	Between $63,000 And $113,000	Between $58,000 And $125,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Mississippi	California
Best paying company	Cedars-Sinai	Medical City Arlington
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between radiation therapist and sonographer education

There are a few differences between a radiation therapist and a sonographer in terms of educational background:

	Radiation Therapist	Sonographer
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 40%	Associate Degree, 57%
Most common major	Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology	Medical Technician
Most common college	Duke University	Duke University

Radiation therapist vs sonographer demographics

Here are the differences between radiation therapists' and sonographers' demographics:

	Radiation Therapist	Sonographer
Average age	42	43
Gender ratio	Male, 34.3% Female, 65.7%	Male, 15.0% Female, 85.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 4.5% White, 69.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	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	17%	6%

Differences between radiation therapist and sonographer duties and responsibilities

Radiation therapist example responsibilities.

Manage all payroll, accounts receivable and payable, and maintain complete records of equipment and staff.
Manage daily clinical staffing needs by appropriately deploying PRN therapist when need, which save company from employing an additional FTE.
Perform SBRT and SRS, and IMRT treatments under the supervision of the physician.
Set up patients on treatment machine, port films and IGRT to line up patients.
Ensure treatment plans are consistent with oncologist's prescriptions and verify EMR for daily treatment delivery.
Monitor patients records through EMR, maintain weekly and monthly reports for the company, maintain and order supplies.

Sonographer example responsibilities.

Manage and operate the daily operations and supervision of the radiology ultrasound departments.
Explain ultrasound procedures to patients, record relevant medical history, reconcile and collect required data.
Perform all ultrasound exams, ie: Abd, OB/Gyn, small parts and vascular.
Pass ARDMS vascular exam at Oct.
Experience with ICAVL guidelines and requirements.
Maintain equipment, treadmill room and supply inventory.

Radiation therapist vs sonographer skills

Common radiation therapist skills

Patients, 28%
Patient Care, 9%
Radiation Oncologist, 8%
Patient Treatment, 6%
Dosimetry, 4%
Treatment Planning, 4%

Common sonographer skills

Patients, 19%
Sonography, 11%
ARDMS, 11%
Patient Care, 10%
Ultrasound Equipment, 6%
Ultrasound Procedures, 4%

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Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapist vs Sonographer

Updated January 8, 2025

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