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The differences between radiologists and ultrasound technologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a radiologist, becoming an ultrasound technologist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a radiologist has an average salary of $298,405, which is higher than the $84,702 average annual salary of an ultrasound technologist.
The top three skills for a radiologist include patients, pacs and patient care. The most important skills for an ultrasound technologist are patients, ARDMS, and ultrasound procedures.
| Radiologist | Ultrasound Technologist | |
| Yearly salary | $298,405 | $84,702 |
| Hourly rate | $143.46 | $40.72 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 1,536 | 52,198 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
A radiologist is responsible for interpreting and evaluating medical image results to diagnose medical conditions and refer to medical professionals for immediate treatment plans. Radiologists analyze the patient's medical history to determine their medical conditions before the radiology procedure. They utilize various high-level machinery, requiring them to have strong knowledge of operating the equipment to ensure accurate results and reports. A radiologist must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in discussing the medical processes to the patients and responding to any inquiries and concerns they may have.
An ultrasound technologist is responsible for assisting medical professionals in operating high-end equipment to diagnose patients' illnesses and monitor health conditions. Ultrasound technologists regularly inspect the efficiency and reliability of the machine and report inconsistencies and defects for immediate repair or replacement. They record scan results and endorse the patient to appropriate medical staff for required medication and further observation. An ultrasound technologist must have excellent knowledge and extensive experience in the medical industry to provide quality care for the patients and address their needs and concerns.
Radiologists and ultrasound technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Radiologist | Ultrasound Technologist | |
| Average salary | $298,405 | $84,702 |
| Salary range | Between $124,000 And $714,000 | Between $51,000 And $140,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rochester, MN | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Allina Health | Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a radiologist and an ultrasound technologist in terms of educational background:
| Radiologist | Ultrasound Technologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between radiologists' and ultrasound technologists' demographics:
| Radiologist | Ultrasound Technologist | |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.4% Female, 58.6% | Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 13% | 6% |