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The differences between x-ray technicians and ultrasound technologists 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 an ultrasound technologist. Additionally, an ultrasound technologist has an average salary of $84,702, which is higher than the $51,642 average annual salary of an x-ray technician.
The top three skills for an x-ray technician include patients, ARRT and radiologic technologist. The most important skills for an ultrasound technologist are patients, ARDMS, and ultrasound procedures.
| X-Ray Technician | Ultrasound Technologist | |
| Yearly salary | $51,642 | $84,702 |
| Hourly rate | $24.83 | $40.72 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 60,780 | 52,198 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 62% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| 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.
An ultrasound technologist is responsible for assisting medical professionals in operating high-end equipment to diagnose patients' illnesses and monitor health conditions. Ultrasound technologists regularly inspect the efficiency and reliability of the machine and report inconsistencies and defects for immediate repair or replacement. They record scan results and endorse the patient to appropriate medical staff for required medication and further observation. An ultrasound technologist must have excellent knowledge and extensive experience in the medical industry to provide quality care for the patients and address their needs and concerns.
X-ray technicians and ultrasound technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| X-Ray Technician | Ultrasound Technologist | |
| Average salary | $51,642 | $84,702 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $81,000 | Between $51,000 And $140,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fresno, CA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Stability Healthcare | Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an x-ray technician and an ultrasound technologist in terms of educational background:
| X-Ray Technician | Ultrasound Technologist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 62% | Associate Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | Duke University |
Here are the differences between x-ray technicians' and ultrasound technologists' demographics:
| X-Ray Technician | Ultrasound Technologist | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.3% Female, 59.7% | Male, 18.3% Female, 81.7% |
| 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, 4.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 6% |