Radiologic Technologist vs Occupational Therapist: 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.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Occupational Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $23,383/year (30%) 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 Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologic Technologist | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $110,173 | $142,857 | Radiologic $32,684 |
| New York, NY | $94,043 | $124,025 | Radiologic $29,982 |
| Seattle, WA | $111,571 | $142,137 | Radiologic $30,566 |
| Austin, TX | $87,956 | $108,921 | Radiologic $20,965 |
| Chicago, IL | $82,391 | $105,288 | Radiologic $22,897 |
| Boston, MA | $99,691 | $129,144 | Radiologic $29,453 |
| London, UK | £61,773 | £76,976 | Radiologic $15,203 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$100,307 | CA$136,460 | Radiologic $36,153 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologic Technologist or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Occupational Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologic Technologist is $76,947/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $23,383 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologic Technologist or Occupational Therapist?+
Radiologic Technologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Occupational Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologic Technologist to Occupational Therapist?+
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 Occupational Therapist?+
Occupational Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.