Registered Nurse vs Radiologic Technologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Radiologic Technologist
Perform medical imaging examinations including X-ray, CT, and MRI scans.
Registered Nurse earns more on average — the national median is $20,603/year (27%) higher than a Radiologic Technologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Radiologic Technologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Radiologic Technologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $110,173 | Registered +$28,457 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $94,043 | Registered +$21,730 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $111,571 | Registered +$27,296 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $87,956 | Registered +$19,083 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $82,391 | Registered +$20,389 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $99,691 | Registered +$30,074 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £61,773 | Registered $9,736 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$100,307 | Registered $5,693 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Radiologic Technologist earn more?+
A Registered Nurse earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $76,947/year for a Radiologic Technologist — a difference of $20,603 (27%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Radiologic Technologist?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% YoY while Radiologic Technologist demand is growing at 6% YoY. Radiologic Technologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Nurse to Radiologic Technologist?+
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 — Registered Nurse or Radiologic Technologist?+
Registered Nurse has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.