Radiologist vs Speech-Language Pathologist: 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.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Radiologist earns more on average — the national median is $322,990/year (330%) higher than a Speech-Language Pathologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Radiologist vs Speech-Language Pathologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologist | Speech-Language Pathologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $625,004 | $141,321 | Radiologist +$483,683 |
| New York, NY | $495,526 | $119,548 | Radiologist +$375,978 |
| Seattle, WA | $591,340 | $139,695 | Radiologist +$451,645 |
| Austin, TX | $479,213 | $112,282 | Radiologist +$366,931 |
| Chicago, IL | $447,493 | $103,493 | Radiologist +$344,000 |
| Boston, MA | $548,748 | $125,361 | Radiologist +$423,387 |
| London, UK | £240,697 | £74,721 | Radiologist +$165,976 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,395 | CA$126,294 | Radiologist +$293,101 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist earn more?+
A Radiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologist is $420,860/year, compared to $97,870/year for a Speech-Language Pathologist — a difference of $322,990 (330%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist?+
Radiologist roles are growing at 10% YoY while Speech-Language Pathologist demand is growing at 19% YoY. Speech-Language Pathologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologist to Speech-Language Pathologist?+
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 Speech-Language Pathologist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.