Diagnostic Medical Sonographers vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nursess out-earn Diagnostic Medical Sonographerss by $960 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Diagnostic Medical Sonographerss land at $96,590 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: diagnostic medical sonographer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Diagnostic Medical Sonographerss is California ($128,530); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Diagnostic Medical Sonographers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Diagnostic Medical Sonographerss or Registered Nursess?
Registered Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $96,590 for Diagnostic Medical Sonographerss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $960. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Registered Nurses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Registered Nurses?
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers typically requires bachelor's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Diagnostic Medical Sonographerss get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Diagnostic Medical Sonographerss at $128,530/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Diagnostic Medical Sonographers vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Diagnostic Medical Sonographerss earn $128,530 vs. $140,270 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.