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The differences between respiratory therapists and sonographers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a respiratory therapist, becoming a sonographer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a sonographer has an average salary of $85,898, which is higher than the $55,617 average annual salary of a respiratory therapist.
The top three skills for a respiratory therapist include patients, respiratory care and BLS. The most important skills for a sonographer are patients, sonography, and ARDMS.
| Respiratory Therapist | Sonographer | |
| Yearly salary | $55,617 | $85,898 |
| Hourly rate | $26.74 | $41.30 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 33,980 | 14,117 |
| Job satisfaction | 3.33 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 70% | Associate Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
A Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the healthcare of a patient's Cardiopulmonary system. A Respiratory Therapist specializes in assessing, recommending procedures or precautionary measures, and treating infections, diseases, and even viruses that can cause dysfunction to a patient's breathing. Most duties will depend on the workplace or the condition of a patient. However, they must have extensive expertise, passion, and presence of mind as they work with patients of all ages, and the daily tasks are vital and unpredictable.
A Sonographer performs diagnostic procedures using sonographic equipment. Their duties include preparing patients, explaining the exam, and performing the procedure.
Respiratory therapists and sonographers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Respiratory Therapist | Sonographer | |
| Average salary | $55,617 | $85,898 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $91,000 | Between $58,000 And $125,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lancaster, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Heartland Home Health Inc. | Medical City Arlington |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Technology |
There are a few differences between a respiratory therapist and a sonographer in terms of educational background:
| Respiratory Therapist | Sonographer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 70% | Associate Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between respiratory therapists' and sonographers' demographics:
| Respiratory Therapist | Sonographer | |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5% | Male, 15.0% Female, 85.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 63.5% 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 | 9% | 6% |