Diagnostic Sonographer vs Physician (General Practice): Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Diagnostic Sonographer
Operate ultrasound equipment to produce images for medical diagnosis.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $155,918/year (177%) higher than a Diagnostic Sonographer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Diagnostic Sonographer vs Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Diagnostic Sonographer | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $129,500 | $363,590 | Diagnostic $234,090 |
| New York, NY | $103,390 | $294,372 | Diagnostic $190,982 |
| Seattle, WA | $128,885 | $353,641 | Diagnostic $224,756 |
| Austin, TX | $97,256 | $272,440 | Diagnostic $175,184 |
| Chicago, IL | $93,131 | $255,595 | Diagnostic $162,464 |
| Boston, MA | $115,414 | $311,219 | Diagnostic $195,805 |
| London, UK | £69,868 | £101,944 | Diagnostic $32,076 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$117,545 | CA$294,137 | Diagnostic $176,592 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Diagnostic Sonographer or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Diagnostic Sonographer is $88,262/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $155,918 (177%).
Which has better career growth — Diagnostic Sonographer or Physician (General Practice)?+
Diagnostic Sonographer roles are growing at 10% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Diagnostic Sonographer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Diagnostic Sonographer to Physician (General Practice)?+
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 — Diagnostic Sonographer or Physician (General Practice)?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.