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The differences between cat scan technologists and diagnostic technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a cat scan technologist and a diagnostic technician. Additionally, a cat scan technologist has an average salary of $61,874, which is higher than the $49,571 average annual salary of a diagnostic technician.
The top three skills for a cat scan technologist include patients, CT and ARRT. The most important skills for a diagnostic technician are patients, patient care, and CPR.
| Cat Scan Technologist | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $61,874 | $49,571 |
| Hourly rate | $29.75 | $23.83 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 51,880 | 70,089 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 63% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A cat scan technologist is a trained professional specializing in operating computed axial tomography equipment to scan and produce images that will help physicians diagnose illnesses and identify internal issues in a patient's body. They are in charge of assisting and preparing the patients by answering inquiries, discussing the extent of procedures to brief them on what they might feel or hear, and making them feel at ease on the entire process. Moreover, a cat scan technologist maintains an open communication line with physicians and nurses for an efficient workflow.
Diagnostic Technicians are specialists in the inspecting, maintenance, and repair of equipment or service. Diagnostic Technicians can be working in the automotive sector, inspecting and repairing cars, to performing ultrasound procedures in the healthcare industry. Their duties include analyzing and collecting data, calibrating equipment, performing diagnostic tests and repairs, and organizing work records and reports. A Diagnostic Technician must have sound knowledge in using technical equipment and adheres to safety regulations when handling any tools.
Cat scan technologists and diagnostic technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cat Scan Technologist | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Average salary | $61,874 | $49,571 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $109,000 | Between $31,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Fresno, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | - | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a cat scan technologist and a diagnostic technician in terms of educational background:
| Cat Scan Technologist | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 63% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between cat scan technologists' and diagnostic technicians' demographics:
| Cat Scan Technologist | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6% | Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 6.0% White, 73.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 6.0% White, 73.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |