Psychologist vs Radiologic Technologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Psychologist
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions through therapy.
Radiologic Technologist
Perform medical imaging examinations including X-ray, CT, and MRI scans.
Psychologist earns more on average — the national median is $27,157/year (35%) higher than a Radiologic Technologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Psychologist vs Radiologic Technologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Psychologist | Radiologic Technologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,611 | $110,173 | Psychologist +$37,438 |
| New York, NY | $126,090 | $94,043 | Psychologist +$32,047 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,879 | $111,571 | Psychologist +$39,308 |
| Austin, TX | $117,260 | $87,956 | Psychologist +$29,304 |
| Chicago, IL | $111,439 | $82,391 | Psychologist +$29,048 |
| Boston, MA | $134,061 | $99,691 | Psychologist +$34,370 |
| London, UK | £79,636 | £61,773 | Psychologist +$17,863 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$137,379 | CA$100,307 | Psychologist +$37,072 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Psychologist or Radiologic Technologist earn more?+
A Psychologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Psychologist is $104,104/year, compared to $76,947/year for a Radiologic Technologist — a difference of $27,157 (35%).
Which has better career growth — Psychologist or Radiologic Technologist?+
Psychologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Radiologic Technologist demand is growing at 6% YoY. Radiologic Technologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Psychologist 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 — Psychologist or Radiologic Technologist?+
Psychologist has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.