How the national numbers differ
1Diagnostic Medical Sonographer has the edge on projected growth
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is at 13.9% projected growth, compared with 5% projected growth for Radiologic Technologist.
Radiologic Technologist has the edge on annual openings
Radiologic Technologist is at 13,000 annual openings, compared with 6,000 annual openings for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer has the edge on median pay
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is at $96,590, compared with $80,110 for Radiologic Technologist.
72/ 100Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
vs
67.7/ 100Radiologic Technologist
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 Radiologic Technologist
| Dimension | Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Radiologic Technologist |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $96,590 | $80,110 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 79.8 percentile | 72.4 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 13.9% | 5% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 6,000 | 13,000 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 92,200 | 234,200 |
|---|
| 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. | An associate degree with clinical training is typical. Check the program's full timeline, certification eligibility, and state licensing requirements before estimating when you can start paid work. |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 3 | Job Zone 3 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| 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. | Hospital imaging may require evening, weekend, or overnight coverage; outpatient schedules can differ. |
| Physical work | Standing, positioning patients, and moving scanning equipment are part of the work. Ask about assistance with patient transfers. | Long periods on your feet, patient positioning, and sometimes lifting or turning patients. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
