Ultrasound technologist vs respiratory therapist

The differences between ultrasound technologists and respiratory therapists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an ultrasound technologist, becoming a respiratory therapist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an ultrasound technologist has an average salary of $84,702, which is higher than the $55,617 average annual salary of a respiratory therapist.

The top three skills for an ultrasound technologist include patients, ARDMS and ultrasound procedures. The most important skills for a respiratory therapist are patients, respiratory care, and BLS.

Ultrasound technologist vs respiratory therapist overview

	Ultrasound Technologist	Respiratory Therapist
Yearly salary	$84,702	$55,617
Hourly rate	$40.72	$26.74
Growth rate	10%	14%
Number of jobs	52,198	33,980
Job satisfaction	-	3.33
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 55%	Associate Degree, 70%
Average age	43	46
Years of experience	2	12

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 respiratory therapist do?

A Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the healthcare of a patient's Cardiopulmonary system. A Respiratory Therapist specializes in assessing, recommending procedures or precautionary measures, and treating infections, diseases, and even viruses that can cause dysfunction to a patient's breathing. Most duties will depend on the workplace or the condition of a patient. However, they must have extensive expertise, passion, and presence of mind as they work with patients of all ages, and the daily tasks are vital and unpredictable.

Ultrasound technologist vs respiratory therapist salary

Ultrasound technologists and respiratory therapists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Ultrasound Technologist	Respiratory Therapist
Average salary	$84,702	$55,617
Salary range	Between $51,000 And $140,000	Between $33,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	Lancaster, CA
Highest paying state	Vermont	California
Best paying company	Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District	Heartland Home Health Inc.
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between ultrasound technologist and respiratory therapist education

There are a few differences between an ultrasound technologist and a respiratory therapist in terms of educational background:

	Ultrasound Technologist	Respiratory Therapist
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 55%	Associate Degree, 70%
Most common major	Medical Technician	Medical Technician
Most common college	Duke University	Duke University

Ultrasound technologist vs respiratory therapist demographics

Here are the differences between ultrasound technologists' and respiratory therapists' demographics:

	Ultrasound Technologist	Respiratory Therapist
Average age	43	46
Gender ratio	Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7%	Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%
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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.4% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	6%	9%

Differences between ultrasound technologist and respiratory therapist 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.

Respiratory therapist example responsibilities.

Manage ventilators through morning planning and protocols for trauma, ICU, and open heart unit.
Manage artificial airways, mechanically ventilate patients, pulmonary rehab patients and perform CPR in code situations.
Perform diagnostic procedures such as EEG, PFT, and Bronchoscopy.
Perform all aspects of respiratory care from intubation to ventilation, and medication delivery.
Provide critical care services including mechanical ventilation, pulmonary toilet, respiratory pharmacological medicine, overall respiratory evaluation and observation.
Attend and complete ACLS, BLS, and telemetry monitoring certification courses.

Ultrasound technologist vs respiratory therapist skills

Common ultrasound technologist skills

Patients, 17%
ARDMS, 11%
Ultrasound Procedures, 11%
Patient Care, 8%
Pacs, 7%
Vascular Ultrasound, 6%

Common respiratory therapist skills

Patients, 18%
Respiratory Care, 11%
BLS, 8%
RRT, 7%
Acls, 5%
Ventilation, 4%

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Ultrasound Technologist
Ultrasound Technologist vs Respiratory Therapist

Updated January 8, 2025

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