Salary Range
Low (10th %)$63,680
Median$84,470
High (90th %)$116,300
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Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
The occupation of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers has an automation risk of 39.4%, closely reflecting its base risk of 40.0%. This moderate risk score suggests that while certain aspects of the job can be automated, many core responsibilities still require a human touch. The primary reason for this resistance to full automation is that the role blends technological operation with patient interaction and clinical judgement. While advancements in imaging technology and AI may assist with routine scanning and image enhancement, the nuanced responsibilities of sonographers often demand adaptability, empathy, and critical thinking. As a result, total replacement by automation remains unlikely in the near term. Examining the most automatable tasks sheds light on these dynamics. Tasks such as observing the screen during scans to ensure image quality, monitoring and adjusting equipment, as well as providing summarized technical findings for physicians, are routine-driven and follow well-defined procedures. These activities could feasibly be accomplished with current or near-future AI and machine vision systems, which excel at pattern recognition, quality control, and data transfer. However, while machines can flag issues or create summaries, the clinical context and complex patient variables often complicate full automation. On the other hand, the tasks most resistant to automation involve handling physical materials, such as loading and unloading film cassettes, processing and coding film, and maintaining or ordering supplies. These duties require manual dexterity, situational judgement, and interactions not easily reduced to algorithmic steps. Furthermore, bottleneck skills like originality—measured at 3.0% and 2.9%—underscore the importance of creative problem-solving and individualized patient care. This creative and holistic approach to both patient well-being and technical troubleshooting acts as a substantial barrier to complete automation, ensuring the continued necessity of skilled human sonographers in the healthcare field.
Filter by Automatable Status
Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
Non-Automatable
Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
Non-Automatable
Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
Partially Automatable
Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
Partially Automatable
Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
Partially Automatable
Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
Non-Automatable
Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
Partially Automatable
Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
Partially Automatable
Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.
Automatable
Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.
Automatable
Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including providing assistance during invasive procedures.
Non-Automatable
Clean, check, and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary.
Non-Automatable
Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.
Automatable
Supervise or train students or other medical sonographers.
Partially Automatable
Perform medical procedures, such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, or giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Non-Automatable
Maintain stock and supplies, preparing supplies for special examinations and ordering supplies when necessary.
Partially Automatable
Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation.
Partially Automatable
Load and unload film cassettes used to record images from procedures.
Non-Automatable
Perform legal and ethical duties, including preparing safety or accident reports, obtaining written consent from patient to perform invasive procedures, or reporting symptoms of abuse or neglect.
Partially Automatable
Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and CounselingSales and Marketing
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Patient medical record softwareDatabase softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareeClinicalWorks EHR softwareMedical procedure coding softwarePatient medical record softwareCalendar and scheduling softwareeClinicalWorks EHR softwareMedical procedure coding softwareWord processing softwareWord processing softwareSpreadsheet softwareSpreadsheet softwareMEDITECH softwareMEDITECH softwareDatabase softwareEmail softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office software
Anesthesiologist Assistants
Low29.30%
Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.
Radiation Therapists
Medium42.66%
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
Respiratory Therapists
Low32.47%
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Cardiologists
Medium38.46%
Diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases or conditions of the cardiovascular system. May further subspecialize in interventional procedures (e.g., balloon angioplasty and stent placement), echocardiography, or electrophysiology.
Emergency Medicine Physicians
Medium39.71%
Make immediate medical decisions and act to prevent death or further disability. Provide immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization, and disposition of patients. May direct emergency medical staff in an emergency department.
Radiologists
Medium41.85%
Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as x rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasounds. May perform minimally invasive medical procedures and tests.
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
Low31.67%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
Pediatric Surgeons
Low27.78%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat fetal abnormalities and birth defects, diseases, and injuries in fetuses, premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents. Includes all pediatric surgical specialties and subspecialties.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medium43.59%
Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Medium45.83%
Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Medium47.86%
Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Medium43.68%
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Medium39.05%
Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.
Surgical Technologists
Low32.40%
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Medium34.66%
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Medium46.30%
Conduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Medium43.00%
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.
Surgical Assistants
Low14.08%
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site.
Phlebotomists
Medium36.54%
Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
Endoscopy Technicians
Low20.63%
Maintain a sterile field to provide support for physicians and nurses during endoscopy procedures. Prepare and maintain instruments and equipment. May obtain specimens.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Medium47.65%
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
Histotechnologists
Medium47.76%
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
Histology Technicians
Low28.13%
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
Medical Dosimetrists
Medium49.20%
Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.
Medical Equipment Preparers
Medium42.90%
Prepare, sterilize, install, or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment. May perform routine laboratory tasks and operate or inspect equipment.
Medical Transcriptionists
High67.76%
Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.