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The differences between diagnostic technicians and diagnostic radiologic 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 technician and a diagnostic radiologic technologist. Additionally, a diagnostic radiologic technologist has an average salary of $54,476, which is higher than the $49,571 average annual salary of a diagnostic technician.
The top three skills for a diagnostic technician include patients, patient care and CPR. The most important skills for a diagnostic radiologic technologist are patients, ARRT, and radiologic technologist.
| Diagnostic Technician | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | |
| Yearly salary | $49,571 | $54,476 |
| Hourly rate | $23.83 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 70,089 | 66,721 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Diagnostic Technicians are specialists in the inspecting, maintenance, and repair of equipment or service. Diagnostic Technicians can be working in the automotive sector, inspecting and repairing cars, to performing ultrasound procedures in the healthcare industry. Their duties include analyzing and collecting data, calibrating equipment, performing diagnostic tests and repairs, and organizing work records and reports. A Diagnostic Technician must have sound knowledge in using technical equipment and adheres to safety regulations when handling any tools.
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.
Diagnostic technicians and diagnostic radiologic technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diagnostic Technician | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | |
| Average salary | $49,571 | $54,476 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $77,000 | Between $33,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fresno, CA | Bakersfield, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Waymo | Carestream |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Government |
There are a few differences between a diagnostic technician and a diagnostic radiologic technologist in terms of educational background:
| Diagnostic Technician | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Texas A&M University |
Here are the differences between diagnostic technicians' and diagnostic radiologic technologists' demographics:
| Diagnostic Technician | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0% | Male, 40.1% Female, 59.9% |
| 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% |