Radiologist vs Diagnostic Sonographer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Radiologist
Interpret medical imaging to diagnose diseases and conditions.
Diagnostic Sonographer
Operate ultrasound equipment to produce images for medical diagnosis.
Radiologist earns more on average — the national median is $332,598/year (377%) higher than a Diagnostic Sonographer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Radiologist vs Diagnostic Sonographer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologist | Diagnostic Sonographer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $625,004 | $129,500 | Radiologist +$495,504 |
| New York, NY | $495,526 | $103,390 | Radiologist +$392,136 |
| Seattle, WA | $591,340 | $128,885 | Radiologist +$462,455 |
| Austin, TX | $479,213 | $97,256 | Radiologist +$381,957 |
| Chicago, IL | $447,493 | $93,131 | Radiologist +$354,362 |
| Boston, MA | $548,748 | $115,414 | Radiologist +$433,334 |
| London, UK | £240,697 | £69,868 | Radiologist +$170,829 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,395 | CA$117,545 | Radiologist +$301,850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologist or Diagnostic Sonographer earn more?+
A Radiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologist is $420,860/year, compared to $88,262/year for a Diagnostic Sonographer — a difference of $332,598 (377%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologist or Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Radiologist roles are growing at 10% YoY while Diagnostic Sonographer demand is growing at 10% YoY. Diagnostic Sonographer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologist to Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Ultrasound.
Which is harder to automate — Radiologist or Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Diagnostic Sonographer has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.