Paramedic vs Radiologic Technologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Paramedic
Provide emergency medical care and transportation to critically ill patients.
Radiologic Technologist
Perform medical imaging examinations including X-ray, CT, and MRI scans.
Radiologic Technologist earns more on average — the national median is $28,797/year (60%) higher than a Paramedic. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Paramedic vs Radiologic Technologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Paramedic | Radiologic Technologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $70,590 | $110,173 | Paramedic $39,583 |
| New York, NY | $58,936 | $94,043 | Paramedic $35,107 |
| Seattle, WA | $70,025 | $111,571 | Paramedic $41,546 |
| Austin, TX | $55,223 | $87,956 | Paramedic $32,733 |
| Chicago, IL | $51,127 | $82,391 | Paramedic $31,264 |
| Boston, MA | $63,402 | $99,691 | Paramedic $36,289 |
| London, UK | £37,374 | £61,773 | Paramedic $24,399 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$62,016 | CA$100,307 | Paramedic $38,291 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Paramedic or Radiologic Technologist earn more?+
A Radiologic Technologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Paramedic is $48,150/year, compared to $76,947/year for a Radiologic Technologist — a difference of $28,797 (60%).
Which has better career growth — Paramedic or Radiologic Technologist?+
Paramedic roles are growing at 5% YoY while Radiologic Technologist demand is growing at 6% YoY. Radiologic Technologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Paramedic 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 — Paramedic or Radiologic Technologist?+
Paramedic has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.