Radiologist vs Medical Lab Scientist: 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 Lab Scientist
Perform laboratory tests on patient samples to aid clinical diagnosis.
Radiologist earns more on average — the national median is $350,703/year (500%) higher than a Medical Lab Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Radiologist vs Medical Lab Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologist | Medical Lab Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $625,004 | $103,069 | Radiologist +$521,935 |
| New York, NY | $495,526 | $87,047 | Radiologist +$408,479 |
| Seattle, WA | $591,340 | $102,380 | Radiologist +$488,960 |
| Austin, TX | $479,213 | $79,439 | Radiologist +$399,774 |
| Chicago, IL | $447,493 | $75,418 | Radiologist +$372,075 |
| Boston, MA | $548,748 | $90,176 | Radiologist +$458,572 |
| London, UK | £240,697 | £55,328 | Radiologist +$185,369 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,395 | CA$91,433 | Radiologist +$327,962 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologist or Medical Lab Scientist earn more?+
A Radiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologist is $420,860/year, compared to $70,157/year for a Medical Lab Scientist — a difference of $350,703 (500%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologist or Medical Lab Scientist?+
Radiologist roles are growing at 10% YoY while Medical Lab Scientist demand is growing at 7% YoY. Radiologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologist to Medical Lab Scientist?+
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 Lab Scientist?+
Radiologist has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.