How the national numbers differ
1Diagnostic Medical Sonographer has the edge on annual openings
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is at 6,000 annual openings, compared with 2,300 annual openings for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer has the edge on projected growth
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is at 13.9% projected growth, compared with 7.7% projected growth for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.
National pay benchmarks are very similar.
Compare actual offers, expected paid hours, schedule, and benefits before treating either career as the higher-paying option.
72/ 100Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
vs
63.3/ 100Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer vs Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
| Dimension | Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $96,590 | $95,480 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 79.8 percentile | 79.4 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 13.9% | 7.7% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 6,000 | 2,300 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 92,200 | 43,900 |
|---|
| How you qualify | An associate degree or postsecondary certificate in sonography is typical, with clinical training. Check admission prerequisites, clinical placements, certification eligibility, and state licensing requirements before enrolling. | Associate's degree; Prior related experience: less than 5 years |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 3 | Job Zone 3 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | Prior related experience: less than 5 years. |
| On-the-job training | BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training. | BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training. |
| Schedules | Most work full time. Hospital coverage may include evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts. | Varies by employer and setting; ask about shifts, overtime, on-call work, and predictable hours. |
| Physical work | Standing, positioning patients, and moving scanning equipment are part of the work. Ask about assistance with patient transfers. | Unknown: review standing, lifting, repetitive movement, and posture with a practitioner. No overall physical-demand rating is assigned. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
