Speech-Language Pathologist vs Diagnostic Sonographer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Diagnostic Sonographer
Operate ultrasound equipment to produce images for medical diagnosis.
Speech-Language Pathologist earns more on average — the national median is $9,608/year (11%) higher than a Diagnostic Sonographer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Speech-Language Pathologist vs Diagnostic Sonographer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Speech-Language Pathologist | Diagnostic Sonographer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,321 | $129,500 | Speech-Language +$11,821 |
| New York, NY | $119,548 | $103,390 | Speech-Language +$16,158 |
| Seattle, WA | $139,695 | $128,885 | Speech-Language +$10,810 |
| Austin, TX | $112,282 | $97,256 | Speech-Language +$15,026 |
| Chicago, IL | $103,493 | $93,131 | Speech-Language +$10,362 |
| Boston, MA | $125,361 | $115,414 | Speech-Language +$9,947 |
| London, UK | £74,721 | £69,868 | Speech-Language +$4,853 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,294 | CA$117,545 | Speech-Language +$8,749 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Speech-Language Pathologist or Diagnostic Sonographer earn more?+
A Speech-Language Pathologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist is $97,870/year, compared to $88,262/year for a Diagnostic Sonographer — a difference of $9,608 (11%).
Which has better career growth — Speech-Language Pathologist or Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Speech-Language Pathologist roles are growing at 19% YoY while Diagnostic Sonographer demand is growing at 10% YoY. Speech-Language Pathologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Speech-Language Pathologist 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 — Speech-Language Pathologist or Diagnostic Sonographer?+
Speech-Language Pathologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.