---
title: "Ultrasound Tech vs Radiology Tech: Key Differences"
description: "Diagnostic medical sonographers and radiologic technologists compared on training, credentials, radiation exposure and May 2025 pay."
url: https://careerdirecting.com/compare/sonographer-vs-radiologic-technologist/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: CareerDirecting
---

Compare · Imaging

# Ultrasound tech vs radiology tech Sound waves or X-rays.

Medical imaging

Both make images doctors use to diagnose. Ultrasound techs use sound waves and spend a lot of time interpreting images in real time. Radiology techs use X-rays and often move into CT or MRI. Both usually take an associate degree.

In short

Ultrasound technicians (diagnostic medical sonographers) and radiology technicians both usually train through an associate degree. Sonographers earned a median of $96,590 in May 2025 and radiologic technologists $80,110, per BLS. Sonography is projected to grow faster, 13.9% through 2035. Radiology techs work with radiation; sonographers do not.

**Job numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics** Updated October 9, 2026. Pay figures are national medians and are not a promise of what you will earn.

| Side by side | [Ultrasound technician](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/ultrasound-technician/) | [Radiology technician](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/radiology-technician/) |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $96,590 | $80,110 |
| Hourly equivalent | $46.44 | $38.51 |
| Typical way in | Associate degree | Associate degree |
| On-the-job training | None listed | None listed |
| Jobs in the U.S. (2025) | 92,200 | 234,200 |
| Growth, 2025 to 2035 | 13.9% | 5% |
| Openings each year | 6,000 | 13,000 |

Source: [BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm), national medians. Not a promise of what you will earn.

## The day to day

A sonographer holds the transducer, finds the right angle and judges in the moment whether the images show what the doctor needs. It is skilled, hands-on and can strain the shoulder and wrist. A radiology tech positions patients, sets the equipment and protects everyone from unnecessary radiation, and often works in emergency departments.

## Credentials

Most states license radiologic technologists, and many use the [ARRT](https://www.arrt.org/) exam. Sonographers commonly earn credentials from national registries, and employers often require them.

## Questions people ask

### Which pays more, ultrasound or radiology?

Sonographers have the higher national median in May 2025 data.

### Which is harder to get into?

Both programs are competitive. Sonography programs often have fewer seats.

### Can a radiology tech move into other imaging?

Yes, many add CT, mammography or MRI with more training.

## Sources

- [BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035, Table 1.2 (occupational projections and worker characteristics)](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm)
- [BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Diagnostic medical sonographers](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm)
- [BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Radiologic technologists and technicians](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm)
- [American Registry of Radiologic Technologists](https://www.arrt.org/)

## Where to go next

- [Ultrasound technician](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/ultrasound-technician/)
- [Radiology technician](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/radiology-technician/)
- [MRI technologist](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/mri-technologist/)
- [Compare](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/)
- [Apprenticeship vs trade school](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/apprenticeship-vs-trade-school/)
- [Barber vs cosmetologist](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/barber-vs-cosmetologist/)
- [Certificate vs associate](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/certificate-vs-associate-degree/)
- [CNA vs LPN](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/cna-vs-lpn/)

---
Canonical page: https://careerdirecting.com/compare/sonographer-vs-radiologic-technologist/