Diagnostic Medical Sonographers vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nurses out-earn Diagnostic Medical Sonographers by $960 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers land at $96,590 and Registered Nurses 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 Sonographers is California ($128,530); for Registered Nurses 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 Sonographers or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses earn more nationally. The median is $96,590 for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $960. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Registered Nurses?
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers has the better 10-year outlook at 13% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Sonographers get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 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 Sonographers earn $128,530 vs. $140,270 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.