Medical Lab Scientist vs Radiologic Technologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Medical Lab Scientist
Perform laboratory tests on patient samples to aid clinical diagnosis.
Radiologic Technologist
Perform medical imaging examinations including X-ray, CT, and MRI scans.
Radiologic Technologist earns more on average — the national median is $6,790/year (10%) higher than a Medical Lab Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Medical Lab Scientist vs Radiologic Technologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Medical Lab Scientist | Radiologic Technologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $103,069 | $110,173 | Medical $7,104 |
| New York, NY | $87,047 | $94,043 | Medical $6,996 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,380 | $111,571 | Medical $9,191 |
| Austin, TX | $79,439 | $87,956 | Medical $8,517 |
| Chicago, IL | $75,418 | $82,391 | Medical $6,973 |
| Boston, MA | $90,176 | $99,691 | Medical $9,515 |
| London, UK | £55,328 | £61,773 | Medical $6,445 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$91,433 | CA$100,307 | Medical $8,874 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Medical Lab Scientist or Radiologic Technologist earn more?+
A Radiologic Technologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Medical Lab Scientist is $70,157/year, compared to $76,947/year for a Radiologic Technologist — a difference of $6,790 (10%).
Which has better career growth — Medical Lab Scientist or Radiologic Technologist?+
Medical Lab Scientist roles are growing at 7% YoY while Radiologic Technologist demand is growing at 6% YoY. Medical Lab Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Medical Lab Scientist to Radiologic Technologist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Medical Lab Scientist or Radiologic Technologist?+
Radiologic Technologist has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.