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Radiography technician vs diagnostic radiologic technologist

The differences between radiography technicians 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 a radiography technician and a diagnostic radiologic technologist. Additionally, a radiography technician has an average salary of $56,665, which is higher than the $54,476 average annual salary of a diagnostic radiologic technologist.

The top three skills for a radiography technician include patients, ARRT and radiographic images. The most important skills for a diagnostic radiologic technologist are patients, ARRT, and radiologic technologist.

Radiography technician vs diagnostic radiologic technologist overview

Radiography TechnicianDiagnostic Radiologic Technologist
Yearly salary$56,665$54,476
Hourly rate$27.24$26.19
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs29,75066,721
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 66%Associate Degree, 58%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Radiography technician vs diagnostic radiologic technologist salary

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

Radiography TechnicianDiagnostic Radiologic Technologist
Average salary$56,665$54,476
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $109,000Between $33,000 And $89,000
Highest paying City-Bakersfield, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Carestream
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between radiography technician and diagnostic radiologic technologist education

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

Radiography TechnicianDiagnostic Radiologic Technologist
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 66%Associate Degree, 58%
Most common majorMilitary TechnologyMedical Technician
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaTexas A&M University

Radiography technician vs diagnostic radiologic technologist demographics

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

Radiography TechnicianDiagnostic Radiologic Technologist
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 40.7% Female, 59.3%Male, 40.1% Female, 59.9%
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 radiography technician and diagnostic radiologic technologist duties and responsibilities

Radiography technician example responsibilities.

  • Manage imaging databases and relate processes including image file compression and EMR implementations.
  • Used OEC c-arm, used PACS, CR and teleradiography.
  • Operate GE c-arm to assist doctors with orthopedic, vascular, and pain management surgery in the operating room.
  • Perform diagnostic imaging during nerve block and surgical procedures in outpatient surgery center.
  • Conform to the principles of ALARA.
  • Schedule MRI's and obtain accurate medical information prior to the procedure.
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Diagnostic radiologic technologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage imaging databases and relate processes including image file compression and EMR implementations.
  • Travel between client sites to perform c-arm imaging for surgery centers, pain management cases, and cadaver training labs.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of radiation protection standards by selecting technical factors and making necessary exposures of patients.
  • Perform limit in-house lab tests, perform EKG's.
  • Register with A.R.R.T., member A.S.R.T, current CPR certification.
  • Experience with film as well as DR and CR equipment.
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Radiography technician vs diagnostic radiologic technologist skills

Common radiography technician skills
  • Patients, 49%
  • ARRT, 28%
  • Radiographic Images, 3%
  • Radiographic Equipment, 3%
  • Surgery, 2%
  • Radiographic Procedures, 2%
Common diagnostic radiologic technologist skills
  • Patients, 20%
  • ARRT, 8%
  • Radiologic Technologist, 7%
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 6%
  • Diagnostic Radiology, 5%
  • Patient Care, 5%

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