Radiologist vs Occupational Therapist: 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.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Radiologist earns more on average — the national median is $320,530/year (319%) higher than a Occupational Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Radiologist vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologist | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $625,004 | $142,857 | Radiologist +$482,147 |
| New York, NY | $495,526 | $124,025 | Radiologist +$371,501 |
| Seattle, WA | $591,340 | $142,137 | Radiologist +$449,203 |
| Austin, TX | $479,213 | $108,921 | Radiologist +$370,292 |
| Chicago, IL | $447,493 | $105,288 | Radiologist +$342,205 |
| Boston, MA | $548,748 | $129,144 | Radiologist +$419,604 |
| London, UK | £240,697 | £76,976 | Radiologist +$163,721 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,395 | CA$136,460 | Radiologist +$282,935 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologist or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Radiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologist is $420,860/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $320,530 (319%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologist or Occupational Therapist?+
Radiologist roles are growing at 10% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Occupational Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologist to Occupational Therapist?+
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 Occupational Therapist?+
Occupational Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.