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The differences between imaging technologists and diagnostic technicians 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 technician. Additionally, an imaging technologist has an average salary of $49,786, which is higher than the $49,571 average annual salary of a diagnostic technician.
The top three skills for an imaging technologist include patients, patient care and customer service. The most important skills for a diagnostic technician are patients, patient care, and CPR.
| Imaging Technologist | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $49,786 | $49,571 |
| Hourly rate | $23.94 | $23.83 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 55,397 | 70,089 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| 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.
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.
Imaging technologists and diagnostic technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Imaging Technologist | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Average salary | $49,786 | $49,571 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $74,000 | Between $31,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Los Angeles, CA | Fresno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an imaging technologist and a diagnostic technician in terms of educational background:
| Imaging Technologist | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between imaging technologists' and diagnostic technicians' demographics:
| Imaging Technologist | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 47.6% Female, 52.4% | Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0% |
| 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% |