Radiologist vs Medical Coder: 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.
Medical Coder
Translate medical diagnoses and procedures into standardised codes for billing.
Radiologist earns more on average — the national median is $364,282/year (644%) higher than a Medical Coder. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Radiologist vs Medical Coder — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologist | Medical Coder | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $625,004 | $83,101 | Radiologist +$541,903 |
| New York, NY | $495,526 | $69,765 | Radiologist +$425,761 |
| Seattle, WA | $591,340 | $79,430 | Radiologist +$511,910 |
| Austin, TX | $479,213 | $64,839 | Radiologist +$414,374 |
| Chicago, IL | $447,493 | $59,692 | Radiologist +$387,801 |
| Boston, MA | $548,748 | $75,244 | Radiologist +$473,504 |
| London, UK | £240,697 | £44,852 | Radiologist +$195,845 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,395 | CA$75,011 | Radiologist +$344,384 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologist or Medical Coder earn more?+
A Radiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologist is $420,860/year, compared to $56,578/year for a Medical Coder — a difference of $364,282 (644%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologist or Medical Coder?+
Radiologist roles are growing at 10% YoY while Medical Coder demand is growing at 9% YoY. Radiologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologist to Medical Coder?+
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 Medical Coder?+
Radiologist has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 72%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.