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Radiographer technologist vs diagnostic technician

The differences between radiographer 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 a radiographer technologist and a diagnostic technician. Additionally, a radiographer technologist has an average salary of $54,520, which is higher than the $49,571 average annual salary of a diagnostic technician.

The top three skills for a radiographer technologist include patients, surgery and ARRT. The most important skills for a diagnostic technician are patients, patient care, and CPR.

Radiographer technologist vs diagnostic technician overview

Radiographer TechnologistDiagnostic Technician
Yearly salary$54,520$49,571
Hourly rate$26.21$23.83
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs65,69270,089
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 67%Associate Degree, 41%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Radiographer technologist vs diagnostic technician salary

Radiographer technologists and diagnostic technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Radiographer TechnologistDiagnostic Technician
Average salary$54,520$49,571
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $90,000Between $31,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City-Fresno, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Waymo
Best paying industry-Telecommunication

Differences between radiographer technologist and diagnostic technician education

There are a few differences between a radiographer technologist and a diagnostic technician in terms of educational background:

Radiographer TechnologistDiagnostic Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 67%Associate Degree, 41%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Radiographer technologist vs diagnostic technician demographics

Here are the differences between radiographer technologists' and diagnostic technicians' demographics:

Radiographer TechnologistDiagnostic Technician
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 48.6% Female, 51.4%Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between radiographer technologist and diagnostic technician duties and responsibilities

Radiographer technologist example responsibilities.

  • Used EMR software to manage patient records and files while ensuring patient confidentiality as required by HIPAA.
  • Maintain all records for MQSA standards and quality control tests.
  • Account for corrections as necessary before routing images to the printer, workstation or PACS system.
  • Master radiology information systems including PACS and order entry.
  • Receive training in diagnostic mammography under department mammography specialist.
  • Perform general, operative, fluoroscopic, and trauma radiography
  • Show more

Diagnostic technician example responsibilities.

  • Establish work procedures for the radiology staff.
  • Perform EKG testing on both inpatients and outpatients.
  • Assist in daily maintenance and troubleshooting of PACS.
  • Perform RNA and DNA extraction by using Qiagen kit.
  • Perform cardiology and EKG procedures as directed by medical staff.
  • Operated/Manage ECG, a, and DCG as needed per MD orders.
  • Show more

Radiographer technologist vs diagnostic technician skills

Common radiographer technologist skills
  • Patients, 20%
  • Surgery, 10%
  • ARRT, 8%
  • Fluoroscopic Procedures, 7%
  • MRI, 5%
  • Pacs, 4%
Common diagnostic technician skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • Patient Care, 16%
  • CPR, 13%
  • Radiology, 7%
  • Diagnosis, 4%
  • EEG, 2%

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