Radiologic Technologist vs Surgeon: 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.
Surgeon
Perform operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Surgeon earns more on average — the national median is $347,391/year (451%) 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 Surgeon — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologic Technologist | Surgeon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $110,173 | $600,082 | Radiologic $489,909 |
| New York, NY | $94,043 | $498,340 | Radiologic $404,297 |
| Seattle, WA | $111,571 | $606,568 | Radiologic $494,997 |
| Austin, TX | $87,956 | $487,767 | Radiologic $399,811 |
| Chicago, IL | $82,391 | $464,470 | Radiologic $382,079 |
| Boston, MA | $99,691 | $566,760 | Radiologic $467,069 |
| London, UK | £61,773 | £236,648 | Radiologic $174,875 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$100,307 | CA$419,646 | Radiologic $319,339 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologic Technologist or Surgeon earn more?+
A Surgeon earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologic Technologist is $76,947/year, compared to $424,338/year for a Surgeon — a difference of $347,391 (451%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologic Technologist or Surgeon?+
Radiologic Technologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Surgeon demand is growing at 4% YoY. Radiologic Technologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologic Technologist to Surgeon?+
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 Surgeon?+
Surgeon has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.