Imaging assistant vs x-ray operator

The differences between imaging assistants and x-ray operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an imaging assistant and an x-ray operator. Additionally, an x-ray operator has an average salary of $55,997, which is higher than the $33,188 average annual salary of an imaging assistant.

The top three skills for an imaging assistant include patients, patient care and BLS. The most important skills for an x-ray operator are patients, patient care, and radiology.

Imaging assistant vs x-ray operator overview

	Imaging Assistant	X-Ray Operator
Yearly salary	$33,188	$55,997
Hourly rate	$15.96	$26.92
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	25,940	45,866
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	Associate Degree, 39%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

Imaging assistant vs x-ray operator salary

Imaging assistants and x-ray operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Imaging Assistant	X-Ray Operator
Average salary	$33,188	$55,997
Salary range	Between $21,000 And $50,000	Between $27,000 And $114,000
Highest paying City	Fairbanks, AK	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Massachusetts General Hospital	-
Best paying industry	Non Profits	-

Differences between imaging assistant and x-ray operator education

There are a few differences between an imaging assistant and an x-ray operator in terms of educational background:

	Imaging Assistant	X-Ray Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	Associate Degree, 39%
Most common major	Medical Technician	Medical Technician
Most common college	University of Southern California	Northwestern University

Imaging assistant vs x-ray operator demographics

Here are the differences between imaging assistants' and x-ray operators' demographics:

	Imaging Assistant	X-Ray Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 38.0% Female, 62.0%	Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 9.5% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 8.9% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between imaging assistant and x-ray operator duties and responsibilities

Imaging assistant example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage database with clinical details and digital radiology imaging.
Assist with digital patient records; formatting an/or uploading of film-base or digital images into PACS.
Prepare patients for MRI's by kindly greeting them, screening them and thoroughly explaining the procedure.
Maintain standard precautions and aseptic techniques and used EMR for charting.
Fast pace environment with high attention to detail while maintaining HIPAA compliance.
Take messages for ultrasound techs, make copies, do inventory for ultrasound supplies.

X-ray operator example responsibilities.

Utilize learned skills in the area of radiation safety for the protection of patients and coworkers.
Experience in regular film (dark room), digital, PACS and film less equipment.
Take out staples, sutures, remove splints, set up injections and assist doctors with injections.
Perform radiologic imaging for both adult and pediatric patients.
Introduce to venipuncture and Ekg 's
Operate the c-arm during O.R.

Imaging assistant vs x-ray operator skills

Common imaging assistant skills

Patients, 23%
Patient Care, 10%
BLS, 7%
Customer Service, 6%
Medical Terminology, 5%
MRI, 4%

Common x-ray operator skills

Patients, 20%
Patient Care, 14%
Radiology, 10%
Vital Signs, 10%
Patient History, 8%
Drug Screens, 6%

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Imaging Assistant
Imaging Assistant vs X-Ray Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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