Radiologic Technologist vs Physical 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.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Physical Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $25,813/year (34%) 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 Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologic Technologist | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $110,173 | $147,222 | Radiologic $37,049 |
| New York, NY | $94,043 | $125,297 | Radiologic $31,254 |
| Seattle, WA | $111,571 | $150,655 | Radiologic $39,084 |
| Austin, TX | $87,956 | $111,606 | Radiologic $23,650 |
| Chicago, IL | $82,391 | $108,575 | Radiologic $26,184 |
| Boston, MA | $99,691 | $131,643 | Radiologic $31,952 |
| London, UK | £61,773 | £79,889 | Radiologic $18,116 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$100,307 | CA$134,561 | Radiologic $34,254 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologic Technologist or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Physical Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologic Technologist is $76,947/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $25,813 (34%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologic Technologist or Physical Therapist?+
Radiologic Technologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologic Technologist to Physical 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 Physical Therapist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.