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The differences between cat scan technologists and x-ray 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 an x-ray technician. Additionally, a cat scan technologist has an average salary of $61,874, which is higher than the $51,642 average annual salary of an x-ray technician.
The top three skills for a cat scan technologist include patients, CT and ARRT. The most important skills for an x-ray technician are patients, ARRT, and radiologic technologist.
| Cat Scan Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $61,874 | $51,642 |
| Hourly rate | $29.75 | $24.83 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 51,880 | 60,780 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 63% | Associate Degree, 62% |
| 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.
The job of X-ray technicians, or X-ray technologists, is to detect medical issues that may need urgent medical treatment using cutting-edge imaging methods. The pictures they generate aid physicians in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses with better accuracy. They use a wide range of imaging technologies such as the traditional X-ray machines, computerized axial tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. X-ray technicians may also perform some office work that includes preparing work schedules, managing radiologic departments, and setting up physicians' stations.
Cat scan technologists and x-ray technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cat Scan Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average salary | $61,874 | $51,642 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $109,000 | Between $32,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Fresno, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Stability Healthcare |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a cat scan technologist and an x-ray technician in terms of educational background:
| Cat Scan Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 63% | Associate Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | Texas A&M University |
Here are the differences between cat scan technologists' and x-ray technicians' demographics:
| Cat Scan Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6% | Male, 40.3% Female, 59.7% |
| 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, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 9.3% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 10% |