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The differences between ultrasound technologists and imaging technologists 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 an imaging technologist. Additionally, an ultrasound technologist has an average salary of $84,702, which is higher than the $49,786 average annual salary of an imaging technologist.
The top three skills for an ultrasound technologist include patients, ARDMS and ultrasound procedures. The most important skills for an imaging technologist are patients, patient care, and customer service.
| Ultrasound Technologist | Imaging Technologist | |
| Yearly salary | $84,702 | $49,786 |
| Hourly rate | $40.72 | $23.94 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 52,198 | 55,397 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| 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.
An imaging technologist is responsible for performing diagnostic imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging scans, X-ray examination, and computed tomography. Your day-to-day duties include working closely with physicians and radiologists in diagnosing or ruling out disease or injury, operating and maintaining imaging equipment, and assisting patients in preparation for imaging procedures. As an imaging technologist, it is also your responsibility to follow precise instructions in order to capture a high-quality image and assisting physicians in evaluating images.
Ultrasound technologists and imaging technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Ultrasound Technologist | Imaging Technologist | |
| Average salary | $84,702 | $49,786 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $140,000 | Between $33,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an ultrasound technologist and an imaging technologist in terms of educational background:
| Ultrasound Technologist | Imaging Technologist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Duke University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between ultrasound technologists' and imaging technologists' demographics:
| Ultrasound Technologist | Imaging Technologist | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7% | Male, 47.6% Female, 52.4% |
| 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, 5.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 6.0% White, 73.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |