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The differences between ultrasound technologists and cardiac sonographers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an ultrasound technologist and a cardiac sonographer. Additionally, an ultrasound technologist has an average salary of $84,702, which is higher than the $79,641 average annual salary of a cardiac sonographer.
The top three skills for an ultrasound technologist include patients, ARDMS and ultrasound procedures. The most important skills for a cardiac sonographer are patients, registry, and RDCS.
| Ultrasound Technologist | Cardiac Sonographer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,702 | $79,641 |
| Hourly rate | $40.72 | $38.29 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 52,198 | 10,472 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
A cardiac sonographer specializes in operating imaging technologies to help physicians assess and determine the cardiac conditions of patients. Aside from coordinating with physicians, a cardiac sonographer also interacts with patients, providing them assistance throughout the process, and discussing the extent of procedures. Typically, a cardiac sonographer's responsibilities revolve around coordinating with hospital staff to gather patient information, sharing test results to physicians promptly, and even managing the scheduling of patients, all in adherence to the hospital's policies and regulations.
Ultrasound technologists and cardiac sonographers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Ultrasound Technologist | Cardiac Sonographer | |
| Average salary | $84,702 | $79,641 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $140,000 | Between $54,000 And $116,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | California |
| Best paying company | Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District | Washington Hospital Healthcare System |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an ultrasound technologist and a cardiac sonographer in terms of educational background:
| Ultrasound Technologist | Cardiac Sonographer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Duke University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between ultrasound technologists' and cardiac sonographers' demographics:
| Ultrasound Technologist | Cardiac Sonographer | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7% | Male, 30.8% Female, 69.2% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 6% | 6% |