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The differences between pathological technicians and x-ray technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a pathological technician, becoming an x-ray technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an x-ray technician has an average salary of $51,642, which is higher than the $50,684 average annual salary of a pathological technician.
The top three skills for a pathological technician include clinical laboratory, patients and specimen handling. The most important skills for an x-ray technician are patients, ARRT, and radiologic technologist.
| Pathological Technician | X-Ray Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $50,684 | $51,642 |
| Hourly rate | $24.37 | $24.83 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 69,003 | 60,780 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Associate Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
Pathology technicians, or sometimes referred to as pathology assistants, are professionals who assist pathologists review specimens and tissue samples by utilizing microscopes and other complex lab equipment. These technicians are required to audit lab equipment in the inventory system and provide minor maintenance and calibrations on the lab equipment to avoid errors in test results. They are required to evaluate laboratory test results and record known control values from technical instruments to ensure reliability. Pathological technicians must also handle and organize blood samples taken for pharmacological studies.
The job of X-ray technicians, or X-ray technologists, is to detect medical issues that may need urgent medical treatment using cutting-edge imaging methods. The pictures they generate aid physicians in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses with better accuracy. They use a wide range of imaging technologies such as the traditional X-ray machines, computerized axial tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. X-ray technicians may also perform some office work that includes preparing work schedules, managing radiologic departments, and setting up physicians' stations.
Pathological technicians and x-ray technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pathological Technician | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average salary | $50,684 | $51,642 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $69,000 | Between $32,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Fresno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Battelle | Stability Healthcare |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a pathological technician and an x-ray technician in terms of educational background:
| Pathological Technician | X-Ray Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Associate Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Biology | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | New York University | Texas A&M University |
Here are the differences between pathological technicians' and x-ray technicians' demographics:
| Pathological Technician | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 32.8% Female, 67.2% | Male, 40.3% Female, 59.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 12.0% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 9.3% White, 57.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 10% |