Objective To study the imaging features of computed tomograghy (CT) scanning in coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP). Methods A total of 102 CWP patients in our hospital from October 2017 to October 2020 were selected. CT examination and X-ray chest examination were performed to compare the imaging features, small shadow shape and large shadow imaging manifestations, and compared the complications of CT examination and X-ray chest examination (focal emphysema, pleura change, lymph node enlargement and calcification). Results There was no statistical difference in the detection rates of large shadow, calcification shadow, pulmonary bulla and cavity in CT and X-ray chest examination (P>0.05); the detection rate of small shadow in CT was 82.03%, which was higher than that of X-ray chest examination (73.20%, P<0.05); the main shape of small shadow in CWP patients was q/q, and the q/q ratio of CT examination was 82.67%, higher than that of X-ray chest examination (72.77%, P<0.05); the detection rates of the focal emphysema by CT examination was 31.37%, the changes of pleura were 21.57%, lymph node enlargement was 15.69%, calcification was 18.63%, which were higher than those of X-ray chest examination (18.63%, 10.78%, 6.86%, 8.82%, P<0.05). Conclusion The detection rate of imaging signs and complications in CWP patients by CT was higher than that of X-ray, and the small shadow was mainly q/q, and CT examination was obvious for detecting large shadow, which was helpful for the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.