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The differences between diagnostic radiologic technologists and computed tomography technologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a diagnostic radiologic technologist and a computed tomography technologist. Additionally, a computed tomography technologist has an average salary of $60,749, which is higher than the $54,476 average annual salary of a diagnostic radiologic technologist.
The top three skills for a diagnostic radiologic technologist include patients, ARRT and radiologic technologist. The most important skills for a computed tomography technologist are patients, CT, and ARRT.
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | Computed Tomography Technologist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,476 | $60,749 |
| Hourly rate | $26.19 | $29.21 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 66,721 | 51,721 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 58% | Associate Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A diagnostic radiologic technologist specializes in operating radiologic equipment such as X-rays and CAT scans, vital in helping physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions among patients. They function under the supervision of a radiologist, and their responsibilities often include assisting patients by giving them instructions, answering inquiries, helping them understand the procedures, preparing them for what they are about to feel, and making them feel comfortable during the entire process. Moreover, a diagnostic radiologic technologist must maintain an active communication line with team members to deliver efficient and quick results.
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.
Diagnostic radiologic technologists and computed tomography technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | Computed Tomography Technologist | |
| Average salary | $54,476 | $60,749 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $89,000 | Between $34,000 And $106,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bakersfield, CA | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Carestream | Philips Medical Systems |
| Best paying industry | Government | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a diagnostic radiologic technologist and a computed tomography technologist in terms of educational background:
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | Computed Tomography Technologist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 58% | Associate Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | Texas A&M University |
Here are the differences between diagnostic radiologic technologists' and computed tomography technologists' demographics:
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | Computed Tomography Technologist | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.1% Female, 59.9% | Male, 39.9% Female, 60.1% |
| 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% |