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The differences between x-ray 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 an x-ray technician and a diagnostic technician. Additionally, an x-ray technician has an average salary of $51,642, which is higher than the $49,571 average annual salary of a diagnostic technician.
The top three skills for an x-ray technician include patients, ARRT and radiologic technologist. The most important skills for a diagnostic technician are patients, patient care, and CPR.
| X-Ray Technician | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $51,642 | $49,571 |
| Hourly rate | $24.83 | $23.83 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 60,780 | 70,089 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 62% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
Diagnostic Technicians are specialists in the inspecting, maintenance, and repair of equipment or service. Diagnostic Technicians can be working in the automotive sector, inspecting and repairing cars, to performing ultrasound procedures in the healthcare industry. Their duties include analyzing and collecting data, calibrating equipment, performing diagnostic tests and repairs, and organizing work records and reports. A Diagnostic Technician must have sound knowledge in using technical equipment and adheres to safety regulations when handling any tools.
X-ray technicians and diagnostic technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| X-Ray Technician | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Average salary | $51,642 | $49,571 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $81,000 | Between $31,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fresno, CA | Fresno, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Stability Healthcare | Waymo |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an x-ray technician and a diagnostic technician in terms of educational background:
| X-Ray Technician | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 62% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between x-ray technicians' and diagnostic technicians' demographics:
| X-Ray Technician | Diagnostic Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.3% Female, 59.7% | Male, 66.0% Female, 34.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 Percentage | 10% | 8% |