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The differences between x-ray technicians and phlebotomy technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an x-ray technician, becoming a phlebotomy technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an x-ray technician has an average salary of $51,642, which is higher than the $34,725 average annual salary of a phlebotomy technician.
The top three skills for an x-ray technician include patients, ARRT and radiologic technologist. The most important skills for a phlebotomy technician are patients, infection control, and blood specimens.
| X-Ray Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $51,642 | $34,725 |
| Hourly rate | $24.83 | $16.69 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 60,780 | 107,110 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 62% | Associate Degree, 18% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
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.
A phlebotomy technician is responsible for conducting the medical procedure of drawing blood samples using extraction tools and other equipment. Phlebotomy technicians label the samples for laboratory examinations, donation testing, and other related purposes. They also inspect and maintain the cleanliness of medical equipment, including sterilization of needles and other tools, to avoid contamination that would affect the accuracy of the results. A phlebotomy technician records fluid tests and procedures for reference and patient examination history.
X-ray technicians and phlebotomy technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| X-Ray Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Average salary | $51,642 | $34,725 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $81,000 | Between $26,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fresno, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Stability Healthcare | - |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between an x-ray technician and a phlebotomy technician in terms of educational background:
| X-Ray Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 62% | Associate Degree, 18% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | University of Connecticut |
Here are the differences between x-ray technicians' and phlebotomy technicians' demographics:
| X-Ray Technician | Phlebotomy Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.3% Female, 59.7% | Male, 16.3% Female, 83.7% |
| 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, 11.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 8% |