Post job

Sonographer vs ultrasonographer

The differences between 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 sonographer and an ultrasonographer. Additionally, a sonographer has an average salary of $85,898, which is higher than the $79,249 average annual salary of an ultrasonographer.

The top three skills for a sonographer include patients, sonography and ARDMS. The most important skills for an ultrasonographer are patients, patient care, and radiology.

Sonographer vs ultrasonographer overview

SonographerUltrasonographer
Yearly salary$85,898$79,249
Hourly rate$41.30$38.10
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs14,11713,346
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 57%Associate Degree, 54%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

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.

What does an ultrasonographer do?

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.

Sonographer vs ultrasonographer salary

Sonographers and ultrasonographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

SonographerUltrasonographer
Average salary$85,898$79,249
Salary rangeBetween $58,000 And $125,000Between $47,000 And $132,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABoston, MA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyMedical City ArlingtonBlessing Hospital Emergency Room
Best paying industryTechnologyHealth Care

Differences between sonographer and ultrasonographer education

There are a few differences between a sonographer and an ultrasonographer in terms of educational background:

SonographerUltrasonographer
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 57%Associate Degree, 54%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Sonographer vs ultrasonographer demographics

Here are the differences between sonographers' and ultrasonographers' demographics:

SonographerUltrasonographer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 15.0% Female, 85.0%Male, 14.6% Female, 85.4%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between sonographer and ultrasonographer duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Ultrasonographer example responsibilities.

  • Prepare and achieve ACR accreditation for the department with an almost perfect score.
  • General ultrasound, vascular, small parts, biopsies and amniocentesis.
  • Perform diagnostic scans including all vascular studies, ABD, GYN and small parts imaging.
  • Perform ob-gyn, small parts, breasts, general and vascular exams including bedside/portable exams.
  • Experience in ABD, OB/GYN, endovaginal, small parts, invasive procedures, portable studies and all vascular imaging.
  • Assist in amniocentesis and paracentesis.
  • Show more

Sonographer vs ultrasonographer skills

Common sonographer skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Sonography, 11%
  • ARDMS, 11%
  • Patient Care, 10%
  • Ultrasound Equipment, 6%
  • Ultrasound Procedures, 4%
Common ultrasonographer skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • Patient Care, 12%
  • Radiology, 6%
  • OB-GYN, 6%
  • RDMS, 5%
  • Ultrasound Exams, 5%

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs