Physician Assistant vs Diagnostic Sonographer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physician Assistant
Diagnose and treat patients under physician supervision.
Diagnostic Sonographer
Operate ultrasound equipment to produce images for medical diagnosis.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $47,618/year (54%) higher than a Diagnostic Sonographer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Diagnostic Sonographer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Diagnostic Sonographer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $129,500 | Physician +$64,671 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $103,390 | Physician +$58,243 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $128,885 | Physician +$38,405 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $97,256 | Physician +$52,148 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $93,131 | Physician +$50,935 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $115,414 | Physician +$61,218 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £69,868 | Physician +$38,010 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$117,545 | Physician +$65,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Diagnostic Sonographer earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $88,262/year for a Diagnostic Sonographer — a difference of $47,618 (54%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Diagnostic Sonographer demand is growing at 10% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant to Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Physician Assistant or Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Physician Assistant has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.