Radiologist vs Physician (General Practice): 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.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Radiologist earns more on average — the national median is $176,680/year (72%) higher than a Physician (General Practice). However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Radiologist vs Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologist | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $625,004 | $363,590 | Radiologist +$261,414 |
| New York, NY | $495,526 | $294,372 | Radiologist +$201,154 |
| Seattle, WA | $591,340 | $353,641 | Radiologist +$237,699 |
| Austin, TX | $479,213 | $272,440 | Radiologist +$206,773 |
| Chicago, IL | $447,493 | $255,595 | Radiologist +$191,898 |
| Boston, MA | $548,748 | $311,219 | Radiologist +$237,529 |
| London, UK | £240,697 | £101,944 | Radiologist +$138,753 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,395 | CA$294,137 | Radiologist +$125,258 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologist or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Radiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologist is $420,860/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $176,680 (72%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologist or Physician (General Practice)?+
Radiologist roles are growing at 10% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Radiologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologist to Physician (General Practice)?+
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 Physician (General Practice)?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.