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The differences between radiologists and x-ray technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a radiologist, becoming an x-ray technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a radiologist has an average salary of $298,405, which is higher than the $51,642 average annual salary of an x-ray technician.
The top three skills for a radiologist include patients, pacs and patient care. The most important skills for an x-ray technician are patients, ARRT, and radiologic technologist.
| Radiologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $298,405 | $51,642 |
| Hourly rate | $143.46 | $24.83 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 1,536 | 60,780 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Associate Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
A radiologist is responsible for interpreting and evaluating medical image results to diagnose medical conditions and refer to medical professionals for immediate treatment plans. Radiologists analyze the patient's medical history to determine their medical conditions before the radiology procedure. They utilize various high-level machinery, requiring them to have strong knowledge of operating the equipment to ensure accurate results and reports. A radiologist must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in discussing the medical processes to the patients and responding to any inquiries and concerns they may have.
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.
Radiologists and x-ray technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Radiologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average salary | $298,405 | $51,642 |
| Salary range | Between $124,000 And $714,000 | Between $32,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rochester, MN | Fresno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | California |
| Best paying company | Allina Health | Stability Healthcare |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a radiologist and an x-ray technician in terms of educational background:
| Radiologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Associate Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | Texas A&M University |
Here are the differences between radiologists' and x-ray technicians' demographics:
| Radiologist | X-Ray Technician | |
| Average age | 48 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.4% Female, 58.6% | Male, 40.3% Female, 59.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 | 13% | 10% |