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The differences between computed tomography 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 computed tomography technologist and an x-ray technician. Additionally, a computed tomography technologist has an average salary of $60,749, which is higher than the $51,642 average annual salary of an x-ray technician.
The top three skills for a computed tomography technologist include patients, CT and ARRT. The most important skills for an x-ray technician are patients, ARRT, and radiologic technologist.
| Computed Tomography Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $60,749 | $51,642 |
| Hourly rate | $29.21 | $24.83 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 51,721 | 60,780 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computed tomography (CT) technologists use CT equipment to take images of a patient's body. CT technologists locate any possible internal injuries and diagnose related diseases. They prepare patients for examinations by answering questions then by positioning them for minimum radiation exposure. To perform their job well, they are using radiation safety practices and industry-standard techniques. It is also part of their job to provide patients with direct care and enforce improvement procedures.
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.
Computed tomography technologists and x-ray technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computed Tomography Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average salary | $60,749 | $51,642 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $106,000 | Between $32,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Fresno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Philips Medical Systems | Stability Healthcare |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a computed tomography technologist and an x-ray technician in terms of educational background:
| Computed Tomography Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | 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 computed tomography technologists' and x-ray technicians' demographics:
| Computed Tomography Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.9% Female, 60.1% | 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% |