Radiologic Technologist vs Pharmacist: 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.
Pharmacist
Dispense medications, counsel patients on drug therapies, and prevent errors.
Pharmacist earns more on average — the national median is $63,963/year (83%) 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 Pharmacist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologic Technologist | Pharmacist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $110,173 | $208,483 | Radiologic $98,310 |
| New York, NY | $94,043 | $168,405 | Radiologic $74,362 |
| Seattle, WA | $111,571 | $199,024 | Radiologic $87,453 |
| Austin, TX | $87,956 | $160,336 | Radiologic $72,380 |
| Chicago, IL | $82,391 | $155,619 | Radiologic $73,228 |
| Boston, MA | $99,691 | $179,962 | Radiologic $80,271 |
| London, UK | £61,773 | £111,126 | Radiologic $49,353 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$100,307 | CA$184,236 | Radiologic $83,929 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologic Technologist or Pharmacist earn more?+
A Pharmacist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologic Technologist is $76,947/year, compared to $140,910/year for a Pharmacist — a difference of $63,963 (83%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologic Technologist or Pharmacist?+
Radiologic Technologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Pharmacist demand is growing at 4% YoY. Radiologic Technologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologic Technologist to Pharmacist?+
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 Pharmacist?+
Radiologic Technologist has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.