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The differences between diagnostic radiologic technologists and mri 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 an mri technologist. Additionally, an mri technologist has an average salary of $77,257, 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 an mri technologist are patients, ARRT, and magnetic resonance imaging.
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | MRI Technologist | |
| Yearly salary | $54,476 | $77,257 |
| Hourly rate | $26.19 | $37.14 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 66,721 | 53,125 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 58% | Associate Degree, 56% |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| 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.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists are medical professionals who manage everything involved in the MRI machine. They operate the machines to get scans of the patients' brain, spinal cord, or muscles, which would help doctors identify or diagnose clients' illnesses and diseases. They help the patients prepare for the MRI scans and ensure that they are properly protected. They also carefully take direction from attending physicians to ensure that they scan the correct body part needed for the diagnosis. MRI technologists are also in charge of maintaining the MRI machine and working on repairs whenever needed.
Diagnostic radiologic technologists and mri technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | MRI Technologist | |
| Average salary | $54,476 | $77,257 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $89,000 | Between $42,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bakersfield, CA | Modesto, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Carestream | Siemens Healthineers |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between a diagnostic radiologic technologist and an mri technologist in terms of educational background:
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | MRI Technologist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 58% | Associate Degree, 56% |
| 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 mri technologists' demographics:
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | MRI Technologist | |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.1% Female, 59.9% | Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4% |
| 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, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 10.4% White, 69.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 12% |