Radiologist vs Genetic Counselor: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Radiologist
Interpret medical imaging to diagnose diseases and conditions.
Genetic Counselor
Assess hereditary disease risks and counsel patients on genetic testing options.
Radiologist earns more on average — the national median is $321,282/year (323%) higher than a Genetic Counselor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Radiologist vs Genetic Counselor — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologist | Genetic Counselor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $625,004 | $141,022 | Radiologist +$483,982 |
| New York, NY | $495,526 | $120,948 | Radiologist +$374,578 |
| Seattle, WA | $591,340 | $145,082 | Radiologist +$446,258 |
| Austin, TX | $479,213 | $110,879 | Radiologist +$368,334 |
| Chicago, IL | $447,493 | $108,510 | Radiologist +$338,983 |
| Boston, MA | $548,748 | $130,390 | Radiologist +$418,358 |
| London, UK | £240,697 | £77,497 | Radiologist +$163,200 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,395 | CA$135,338 | Radiologist +$284,057 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologist or Genetic Counselor earn more?+
A Radiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologist is $420,860/year, compared to $99,578/year for a Genetic Counselor — a difference of $321,282 (323%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologist or Genetic Counselor?+
Radiologist roles are growing at 10% YoY while Genetic Counselor demand is growing at 18% YoY. Genetic Counselor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologist to Genetic Counselor?+
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 — Radiologist or Genetic Counselor?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.