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The differences between diagnostic technicians and 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 technician and a technician. Additionally, a diagnostic technician has an average salary of $49,571, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a diagnostic technician include patients, patient care and CPR. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Diagnostic Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $49,571 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $23.83 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 70,089 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| 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.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Diagnostic technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Diagnostic Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $49,571 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $77,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fresno, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Waymo | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Telecommunication | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a diagnostic technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Diagnostic Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Business |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | - |
Here are the differences between diagnostic technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| Diagnostic Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 2% |