Radiologist vs Social Worker: 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.
Social Worker
Support individuals and families through mental health, poverty, and social challenges.
Radiologist earns more on average — the national median is $357,492/year (564%) higher than a Social Worker. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Radiologist vs Social Worker — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologist | Social Worker | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $625,004 | $90,241 | Radiologist +$534,763 |
| New York, NY | $495,526 | $77,533 | Radiologist +$417,993 |
| Seattle, WA | $591,340 | $87,845 | Radiologist +$503,495 |
| Austin, TX | $479,213 | $70,990 | Radiologist +$408,223 |
| Chicago, IL | $447,493 | $68,037 | Radiologist +$379,456 |
| Boston, MA | $548,748 | $84,261 | Radiologist +$464,487 |
| London, UK | £240,697 | £50,174 | Radiologist +$190,523 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,395 | CA$84,837 | Radiologist +$334,558 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologist or Social Worker earn more?+
A Radiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologist is $420,860/year, compared to $63,368/year for a Social Worker — a difference of $357,492 (564%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologist or Social Worker?+
Radiologist roles are growing at 10% YoY while Social Worker demand is growing at 9% YoY. Radiologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologist to Social Worker?+
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 Social Worker?+
Social Worker has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.