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The differences between ultrasound technologists and 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 ultrasound technologist and a technician. Additionally, an ultrasound technologist has an average salary of $84,702, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for an ultrasound technologist include patients, ARDMS and ultrasound procedures. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Ultrasound Technologist | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $84,702 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $40.72 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 52,198 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| 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.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Ultrasound technologists and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Ultrasound Technologist | Technician | |
| Average salary | $84,702 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $140,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an ultrasound technologist and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Ultrasound Technologist | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | - |
Here are the differences between ultrasound technologists' and technicians' demographics:
| Ultrasound Technologist | Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 2% |