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The differences between cath laboratory radiological 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 cath laboratory radiological technologist and a diagnostic technician. Additionally, a cath laboratory radiological technologist has an average salary of $60,648, which is higher than the $49,571 average annual salary of a diagnostic technician.
The top three skills for a cath laboratory radiological technologist include BLS, cath lab and acls. The most important skills for a diagnostic technician are patients, patient care, and CPR.
| Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $60,648 | $49,571 |
| Hourly rate | $29.16 | $23.83 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 90,180 | 70,089 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 63% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A cath laboratory radiological technologist specializes in operating imaging equipment such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scanners to help physicians in diagnosing and treating health issues among patients. They produce diagnostic images according to protocols, submitting them to the physicians timely and accurately. They are also responsible for assisting patients by preparing them before the procedure, answering inquiries, briefing them on how they would feel during the process, providing step-by-step instructions, and making them feel at ease throughout the test.
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.
Cath laboratory radiological technologists and diagnostic technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Average salary | $60,648 | $49,571 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $126,000 | Between $31,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Modesto, CA | Fresno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Accountable Healthcare Holdings Corp. | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a cath laboratory radiological technologist and a diagnostic technician in terms of educational background:
| Cath Laboratory Radiological 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 cath laboratory radiological technologists' and diagnostic technicians' demographics:
| Cath Laboratory Radiological Technologist | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.5% Female, 50.5% | 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% |