Radiologic Technologist vs Psychiatrist: 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.
Psychiatrist
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders using medication and psychotherapy.
Psychiatrist earns more on average — the national median is $204,923/year (266%) 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 Psychiatrist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologic Technologist | Psychiatrist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $110,173 | $420,872 | Radiologic $310,699 |
| New York, NY | $94,043 | $344,472 | Radiologic $250,429 |
| Seattle, WA | $111,571 | $412,989 | Radiologic $301,418 |
| Austin, TX | $87,956 | $317,235 | Radiologic $229,279 |
| Chicago, IL | $82,391 | $294,561 | Radiologic $212,170 |
| Boston, MA | $99,691 | $362,959 | Radiologic $263,268 |
| London, UK | £61,773 | £219,355 | Radiologic $157,582 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$100,307 | CA$384,563 | Radiologic $284,256 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologic Technologist or Psychiatrist earn more?+
A Psychiatrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologic Technologist is $76,947/year, compared to $281,870/year for a Psychiatrist — a difference of $204,923 (266%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologic Technologist or Psychiatrist?+
Radiologic Technologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Psychiatrist demand is growing at 18% YoY. Psychiatrist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologic Technologist to Psychiatrist?+
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 Psychiatrist?+
Psychiatrist has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.