Registered Nurse vs Diagnostic Sonographer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Diagnostic Sonographer
Operate ultrasound equipment to produce images for medical diagnosis.
Registered Nurse earns more on average — the national median is $9,288/year (11%) higher than a Diagnostic Sonographer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Diagnostic Sonographer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Diagnostic Sonographer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $129,500 | Registered +$9,130 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $103,390 | Registered +$12,383 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $128,885 | Registered +$9,982 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $97,256 | Registered +$9,783 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $93,131 | Registered +$9,649 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $115,414 | Registered +$14,351 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £69,868 | Registered $17,831 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$117,545 | Registered $22,931 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Diagnostic Sonographer earn more?+
A Registered Nurse earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $88,262/year for a Diagnostic Sonographer — a difference of $9,288 (11%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% YoY while Diagnostic Sonographer demand is growing at 10% YoY. Diagnostic Sonographer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Nurse to Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Patient Care.
Which is harder to automate — Registered Nurse or Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Registered Nurse has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.