Optometrist vs Radiologic Technologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Optometrist
Examine eyes, diagnose vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses.
Radiologic Technologist
Perform medical imaging examinations including X-ray, CT, and MRI scans.
Optometrist earns more on average — the national median is $59,623/year (77%) higher than a Radiologic Technologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Optometrist vs Radiologic Technologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Optometrist | Radiologic Technologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $199,281 | $110,173 | Optometrist +$89,108 |
| New York, NY | $165,439 | $94,043 | Optometrist +$71,396 |
| Seattle, WA | $195,352 | $111,571 | Optometrist +$83,781 |
| Austin, TX | $156,968 | $87,956 | Optometrist +$69,012 |
| Chicago, IL | $148,787 | $82,391 | Optometrist +$66,396 |
| Boston, MA | $179,596 | $99,691 | Optometrist +$79,905 |
| London, UK | £107,249 | £61,773 | Optometrist +$45,476 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$178,931 | CA$100,307 | Optometrist +$78,624 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Optometrist or Radiologic Technologist earn more?+
A Optometrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Optometrist is $136,570/year, compared to $76,947/year for a Radiologic Technologist — a difference of $59,623 (77%).
Which has better career growth — Optometrist or Radiologic Technologist?+
Optometrist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Radiologic Technologist demand is growing at 6% YoY. Radiologic Technologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Optometrist 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 — Optometrist or Radiologic Technologist?+
Optometrist has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.