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Ultrasonographer vs mammography technician

The differences between ultrasonographers and mammography technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an ultrasonographer and a mammography technician. Additionally, an ultrasonographer has an average salary of $79,249, which is higher than the $64,362 average annual salary of a mammography technician.

The top three skills for an ultrasonographer include patients, patient care and radiology. The most important skills for a mammography technician are patients, ARRT, and patient care.

Ultrasonographer vs mammography technician overview

UltrasonographerMammography Technician
Yearly salary$79,249$64,362
Hourly rate$38.10$30.94
Growth rate10%6%
Number of jobs13,34652,998
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 54%Associate Degree, 71%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

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.

What does a mammography technician do?

A mammography technician is primarily in charge of operating an imaging machine to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Their responsibilities include greeting patients, reviewing their identification and request documentation, explaining the extent of procedures, answering inquiries, operating machines, performing adjustments, and conducting the study in adherence to the protocols, making sure the patients feel comfortable every step of the way. Furthermore, as a mammography technician, it is essential to practice every safety technique during the procedures, all while enforcing the facility's policies and regulations.

Ultrasonographer vs mammography technician salary

Ultrasonographers and mammography technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

UltrasonographerMammography Technician
Average salary$79,249$64,362
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $132,000Between $35,000 And $117,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyBlessing Hospital Emergency RoomStability Healthcare
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between ultrasonographer and mammography technician education

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

UltrasonographerMammography Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 54%Associate Degree, 71%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeDuke UniversityTexas A&M University

Ultrasonographer vs mammography technician demographics

Here are the differences between ultrasonographers' and mammography technicians' demographics:

UltrasonographerMammography Technician
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 14.6% Female, 85.4%Male, 3.6% Female, 96.4%
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, 5.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 6.0% White, 73.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage6%8%

Differences between ultrasonographer and mammography technician duties and responsibilities

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

Mammography technician example responsibilities.

  • Identify, prepare and position patients for procedure by using establish diagnostic imaging protocols to achieve the highest quality image.
  • Analyze images, FRAX, form DXA reports, send exams to PACS, transfer complete reports to RIS.
  • Perform DXA scans, including LVA.
  • Perform MRI and mammography exams.
  • Enter data daily for RIS system.
  • Perform DEXA scans for osteoporosis testing.
  • Show more

Ultrasonographer vs mammography technician skills

Common ultrasonographer skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • Patient Care, 12%
  • Radiology, 6%
  • OB-GYN, 6%
  • RDMS, 5%
  • Ultrasound Exams, 5%
Common mammography technician skills
  • Patients, 22%
  • ARRT, 13%
  • Patient Care, 11%
  • Mammography Technologist, 7%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Pacs, 3%

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