Post job

Ct scan technologist vs x-ray technician

The differences between ct 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 ct scan technologist and an x-ray technician. Additionally, a ct scan technologist has an average salary of $60,480, which is higher than the $51,642 average annual salary of an x-ray technician.

The top three skills for a ct scan technologist include patients, ct scan and ARRT. The most important skills for an x-ray technician are patients, ARRT, and radiologic technologist.

Ct scan technologist vs x-ray technician overview

CT Scan TechnologistX-Ray Technician
Yearly salary$60,480$51,642
Hourly rate$29.08$24.83
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs66,34860,780
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 59%Associate Degree, 62%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a ct scan technologist do?

A CT scan technologist operates computed tomography equipment to scan and take images of patients' bodies, which helps doctors diagnose and treat internal injuries or illnesses. In addition to setting up and maintaining equipment, a CT scan technologist is assists patients, prepares patients for the procedure, and helps the patients feel at ease. They must also maintain an active and transparent communication line with nurses and physicians.

What does an x-ray technician do?

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.

Ct scan technologist vs x-ray technician salary

Ct scan technologists and x-ray technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

CT Scan TechnologistX-Ray Technician
Average salary$60,480$51,642
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $108,000Between $32,000 And $81,000
Highest paying City-Fresno, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Stability Healthcare
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between ct scan technologist and x-ray technician education

There are a few differences between a ct scan technologist and an x-ray technician in terms of educational background:

CT Scan TechnologistX-Ray Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 59%Associate Degree, 62%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeTexas A&M UniversityTexas A&M University

Ct scan technologist vs x-ray technician demographics

Here are the differences between ct scan technologists' and x-ray technicians' demographics:

CT Scan TechnologistX-Ray Technician
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 52.0% Female, 48.0%Male, 40.3% Female, 59.7%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage8%10%

Differences between ct scan technologist and x-ray technician duties and responsibilities

Ct scan technologist example responsibilities.

  • Used EMR software to manage patient records and files while ensuring patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA.
  • Impute patient demographics and exam details from RIS into PACS and archive data/images to assure exam integrity within the system.
  • Conduct comprehensive interviews with patients to obtain their medical history and identify any contradictions.
  • Perform daily QA and troubleshooting any equipment issues.
  • Train to use the PACS system which is used hospital-wide.
  • Provide assistance in diagnostic radiology when need.
  • Show more

X-ray technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage day-to-day operation of PACS equipment including image archiving.
  • Train personnel in triage, first aid, and CPR.
  • Put patients into rooms, pull charts, and learned EMR as the office transition to electronic records.
  • Input patient information in to the EMR, room patients, assist the doctor in all in office procedures.
  • Provide mobile x-rays and EKG's for nursing homes, state hospital, and patients unable to leave their homes.
  • Produce quality images using c-arm during surgical procedures.
  • Show more

Ct scan technologist vs x-ray technician skills

Common ct scan technologist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Ct Scan, 15%
  • ARRT, 11%
  • Radiology, 8%
  • Ct-Scan, 8%
  • Patient Care, 7%
Common x-ray technician skills
  • Patients, 22%
  • ARRT, 9%
  • Radiologic Technologist, 6%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Pacs, 3%

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs