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Radiography technician vs diagnostic technician

The differences between radiography technicians 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 radiography technician and a diagnostic technician. Additionally, a radiography technician has an average salary of $56,665, which is higher than the $49,571 average annual salary of a diagnostic technician.

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

Radiography technician vs diagnostic technician overview

Radiography TechnicianDiagnostic Technician
Yearly salary$56,665$49,571
Hourly rate$27.24$23.83
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs29,75070,089
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 66%Associate Degree, 41%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

Radiography technician vs diagnostic technician salary

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

Radiography TechnicianDiagnostic Technician
Average salary$56,665$49,571
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $109,000Between $31,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City-Fresno, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Waymo
Best paying industry-Telecommunication

Differences between radiography technician and diagnostic technician education

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

Radiography TechnicianDiagnostic Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 66%Associate Degree, 41%
Most common majorMilitary TechnologyMedical Technician
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Radiography technician vs diagnostic technician demographics

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

Radiography TechnicianDiagnostic Technician
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 40.7% Female, 59.3%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 radiography technician and diagnostic technician 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 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

Radiography technician vs diagnostic technician skills

Common radiography technician skills
  • Patients, 49%
  • ARRT, 28%
  • Radiographic Images, 3%
  • Radiographic Equipment, 3%
  • Surgery, 2%
  • Radiographic Procedures, 2%
Common diagnostic technician skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • Patient Care, 16%
  • CPR, 13%
  • Radiology, 7%
  • Diagnosis, 4%
  • EEG, 2%

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