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The differences between diagnostic radiologic 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 diagnostic radiologic technologist and an x-ray technician. Additionally, a diagnostic radiologic technologist has an average salary of $54,476, which is higher than the $51,642 average annual salary of an x-ray technician.
The top three skills for a diagnostic radiologic technologist include patients, ARRT and radiologic technologist. The most important skills for an x-ray technician are patients, ARRT, and radiologic technologist.
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $54,476 | $51,642 |
| Hourly rate | $26.19 | $24.83 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 66,721 | 60,780 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 58% | Associate Degree, 62% |
| 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.
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.
Diagnostic radiologic technologists and x-ray technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average salary | $54,476 | $51,642 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $89,000 | Between $32,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bakersfield, CA | Fresno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Carestream | Stability Healthcare |
| Best paying industry | Government | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a diagnostic radiologic technologist and an x-ray technician in terms of educational background:
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 58% | 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 diagnostic radiologic technologists' and x-ray technicians' demographics:
| Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.1% Female, 59.9% | 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% |