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The differences between x-ray technicians and 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 technician. Additionally, an x-ray technician has an average salary of $51,642, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for an x-ray technician include patients, ARRT and radiologic technologist. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| X-Ray Technician | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $51,642 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $24.83 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 60,780 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| 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.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
X-ray technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| X-Ray Technician | Technician | |
| Average salary | $51,642 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $81,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fresno, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Stability Healthcare | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an x-ray technician and a technician in terms of educational background:
| X-Ray Technician | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Business |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | - |
Here are the differences between x-ray technicians' and technicians' demographics:
| X-Ray Technician | Technician | |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.3% Female, 59.7% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 2% |