Radiologic Technologist vs Genetic Counselor: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Radiologic Technologist
Perform medical imaging examinations including X-ray, CT, and MRI scans.
Genetic Counselor
Assess hereditary disease risks and counsel patients on genetic testing options.
Genetic Counselor earns more on average — the national median is $22,631/year (29%) higher than a Radiologic Technologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Radiologic Technologist vs Genetic Counselor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologic Technologist | Genetic Counselor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $110,173 | $141,022 | Radiologic $30,849 |
| New York, NY | $94,043 | $120,948 | Radiologic $26,905 |
| Seattle, WA | $111,571 | $145,082 | Radiologic $33,511 |
| Austin, TX | $87,956 | $110,879 | Radiologic $22,923 |
| Chicago, IL | $82,391 | $108,510 | Radiologic $26,119 |
| Boston, MA | $99,691 | $130,390 | Radiologic $30,699 |
| London, UK | £61,773 | £77,497 | Radiologic $15,724 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$100,307 | CA$135,338 | Radiologic $35,031 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologic Technologist or Genetic Counselor earn more?+
A Genetic Counselor earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologic Technologist is $76,947/year, compared to $99,578/year for a Genetic Counselor — a difference of $22,631 (29%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologic Technologist or Genetic Counselor?+
Radiologic Technologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Genetic Counselor demand is growing at 18% YoY. Genetic Counselor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologic Technologist to Genetic Counselor?+
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 — Radiologic Technologist or Genetic Counselor?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.