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Ultrasound technologist vs diagnostic medical sonographer

The differences between ultrasound technologists and diagnostic medical 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 diagnostic medical sonographer. Additionally, a diagnostic medical sonographer has an average salary of $85,607, which is higher than the $84,702 average annual salary of an ultrasound technologist.

The top three skills for an ultrasound technologist include patients, ARDMS and ultrasound procedures. The most important skills for a diagnostic medical sonographer are patients, ARDMS, and patient care.

Ultrasound technologist vs diagnostic medical sonographer overview

Ultrasound TechnologistDiagnostic Medical Sonographer
Yearly salary$84,702$85,607
Hourly rate$40.72$41.16
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs52,19858,800
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 55%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does an ultrasound technologist do?

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.

What does a diagnostic medical sonographer do?

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer uses ultrasound high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body tissues. Some typical duties include preparing patients, explaining the exams, and reporting the results to the patients or a physician.

Ultrasound technologist vs diagnostic medical sonographer salary

Ultrasound technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Ultrasound TechnologistDiagnostic Medical Sonographer
Average salary$84,702$85,607
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $140,000Between $52,000 And $139,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MAEureka, CA
Highest paying stateVermontCalifornia
Best paying companyPioneers Memorial Healthcare DistrictSt. Mary's Health Inc.
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between ultrasound technologist and diagnostic medical sonographer education

There are a few differences between an ultrasound technologist and a diagnostic medical sonographer in terms of educational background:

Ultrasound TechnologistDiagnostic Medical Sonographer
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 55%Associate Degree, 55%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeDuke UniversityDuke University

Ultrasound technologist vs diagnostic medical sonographer demographics

Here are the differences between ultrasound technologists' and diagnostic medical sonographers' demographics:

Ultrasound TechnologistDiagnostic Medical Sonographer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 18.3% Female, 81.7%Male, 13.4% Female, 86.6%
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 ultrasound technologist and diagnostic medical sonographer duties and responsibilities

Ultrasound technologist example responsibilities.

  • Perform ABIs while the vascular technologist perform the ultrasound to help with achieving a timely schedule.
  • Accomplish general ultrasounds centered on abdominal, OB-GYN, small parts, pelvic (male), and vascular.
  • Train new students how to perform PVR, segmental and ABI studies
  • Assist and independently perform 2D echo studies using m-mode, color flow, spectral and tissue Doppler, measurements and calculations.
  • Provide outpatient ultrasound studies in vascular, observe in echocardiogram
  • Perform a variety of procedures including abdomen, vascular and gynecology exams.
    • Show more

Diagnostic medical sonographer example responsibilities.

  • Document studies in PACS and manage exams electronically.
  • Register by ARDMS in abdomen, OB/GYN, breast, neuro, and RVT (vascular).
  • Maintain the ultrasound room cleanliness.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the sonography rooms.
  • Perform duties for department QA, revenue/statistics, patient record keeping.
  • Perform abdominal, small part, obstetrics, gynecological, DVT, and carotid ultrasounds.
    • Show more

Ultrasound technologist vs diagnostic medical sonographer skills

Common ultrasound technologist skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • ARDMS, 11%
  • Ultrasound Procedures, 11%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Pacs, 7%
  • Vascular Ultrasound, 6%
Common diagnostic medical sonographer skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • ARDMS, 11%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • OB-GYN, 6%
  • Abdomen, 6%
  • Ultrasound Procedures, 5%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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