Sonographer

O*NET: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers·29-2032.00

The Verdict:Sonographers physically manipulate a transducer probe against the patient throughout every exam, adjusting pressure and angle in real time to capture diagnostic images. AI assists with automated measurements and flagging but cannot hold or guide the probe. No autonomous scanning system exists in clinical use, and demand is growing strongly with zero displacement and chronic workforce shortages.

Top shield:Physical Presence78

Top risk:Task Resilience68

Resilience Score

/100

Resilient

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$89k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+13%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 4 of 20 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

20%

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role's core work is hard to automate.
11 of 20 tasks require human judgment, presence, or trust. The 25% that are AI-leverage offer an edge — professionals who learn these tools will outperform those who don't.

AI Can Handle This4 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

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.

Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.

Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation.

Load and unload film cassettes used to record images from procedures.

AI Leverage5 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.

Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.

Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.

Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.

Human Advantage11 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.

Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.

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.

Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.

Resilience Landscape

Sonographer lands in Stable & Well-Paid

Higher Resilience Paths in Healthcare

Healthcare

Sonographer

Task Analysis

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