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The differences between imaging technologists 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 an imaging technologist and a diagnostic radiologic technologist. Additionally, a diagnostic radiologic technologist has an average salary of $54,476, which is higher than the $49,786 average annual salary of an imaging technologist.
The top three skills for an imaging technologist include patients, patient care and customer service. The most important skills for a diagnostic radiologic technologist are patients, ARRT, and radiologic technologist.
| Imaging Technologist | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | |
| Yearly salary | $49,786 | $54,476 |
| Hourly rate | $23.94 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 55,397 | 66,721 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Associate Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An imaging technologist is responsible for performing diagnostic imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging scans, X-ray examination, and computed tomography. Your day-to-day duties include working closely with physicians and radiologists in diagnosing or ruling out disease or injury, operating and maintaining imaging equipment, and assisting patients in preparation for imaging procedures. As an imaging technologist, it is also your responsibility to follow precise instructions in order to capture a high-quality image and assisting physicians in evaluating images.
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.
Imaging technologists and diagnostic radiologic technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Imaging Technologist | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | |
| Average salary | $49,786 | $54,476 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $74,000 | Between $33,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Bakersfield, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Carestream |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Government |
There are a few differences between an imaging technologist and a diagnostic radiologic technologist in terms of educational background:
| Imaging Technologist | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Associate Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Texas A&M University |
Here are the differences between imaging technologists' and diagnostic radiologic technologists' demographics:
| Imaging Technologist | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.6% Female, 52.4% | 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% |