Radiologic Technologist vs Medical Coder: 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.
Medical Coder
Translate medical diagnoses and procedures into standardised codes for billing.
Radiologic Technologist earns more on average — the national median is $20,369/year (36%) higher than a Medical Coder. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Radiologic Technologist vs Medical Coder — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologic Technologist | Medical Coder | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $110,173 | $83,101 | Radiologic +$27,072 |
| New York, NY | $94,043 | $69,765 | Radiologic +$24,278 |
| Seattle, WA | $111,571 | $79,430 | Radiologic +$32,141 |
| Austin, TX | $87,956 | $64,839 | Radiologic +$23,117 |
| Chicago, IL | $82,391 | $59,692 | Radiologic +$22,699 |
| Boston, MA | $99,691 | $75,244 | Radiologic +$24,447 |
| London, UK | £61,773 | £44,852 | Radiologic +$16,921 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$100,307 | CA$75,011 | Radiologic +$25,296 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologic Technologist or Medical Coder earn more?+
A Radiologic Technologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologic Technologist is $76,947/year, compared to $56,578/year for a Medical Coder — a difference of $20,369 (36%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologic Technologist or Medical Coder?+
Radiologic Technologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Medical Coder demand is growing at 9% YoY. Medical Coder has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologic Technologist to Medical Coder?+
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 Medical Coder?+
Radiologic Technologist has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 72%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.