Respiratory Therapist vs Diagnostic Sonographer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Diagnostic Sonographer
Operate ultrasound equipment to produce images for medical diagnosis.
Diagnostic Sonographer earns more on average — the national median is $6,789/year (8%) higher than a Respiratory Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Respiratory Therapist vs Diagnostic Sonographer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Respiratory Therapist | Diagnostic Sonographer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,057 | $129,500 | Respiratory $9,443 |
| New York, NY | $97,873 | $103,390 | Respiratory $5,517 |
| Seattle, WA | $118,754 | $128,885 | Respiratory $10,131 |
| Austin, TX | $89,357 | $97,256 | Respiratory $7,899 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,921 | $93,131 | Respiratory $3,210 |
| Boston, MA | $108,564 | $115,414 | Respiratory $6,850 |
| London, UK | £61,769 | £69,868 | Respiratory $8,099 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$110,580 | CA$117,545 | Respiratory $6,965 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Respiratory Therapist or Diagnostic Sonographer earn more?+
A Diagnostic Sonographer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $81,473/year, compared to $88,262/year for a Diagnostic Sonographer — a difference of $6,789 (8%).
Which has better career growth — Respiratory Therapist or Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Respiratory Therapist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Diagnostic Sonographer demand is growing at 10% YoY. Respiratory Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Respiratory Therapist 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 — Respiratory Therapist or Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Respiratory Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.