Speech-Language Pathologist vs Radiologic Technologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Radiologic Technologist
Perform medical imaging examinations including X-ray, CT, and MRI scans.
Speech-Language Pathologist earns more on average — the national median is $20,923/year (27%) higher than a Radiologic Technologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Speech-Language Pathologist vs Radiologic Technologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Speech-Language Pathologist | Radiologic Technologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,321 | $110,173 | Speech-Language +$31,148 |
| New York, NY | $119,548 | $94,043 | Speech-Language +$25,505 |
| Seattle, WA | $139,695 | $111,571 | Speech-Language +$28,124 |
| Austin, TX | $112,282 | $87,956 | Speech-Language +$24,326 |
| Chicago, IL | $103,493 | $82,391 | Speech-Language +$21,102 |
| Boston, MA | $125,361 | $99,691 | Speech-Language +$25,670 |
| London, UK | £74,721 | £61,773 | Speech-Language +$12,948 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,294 | CA$100,307 | Speech-Language +$25,987 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Speech-Language Pathologist or Radiologic Technologist earn more?+
A Speech-Language Pathologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist is $97,870/year, compared to $76,947/year for a Radiologic Technologist — a difference of $20,923 (27%).
Which has better career growth — Speech-Language Pathologist or Radiologic Technologist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist roles are growing at 19% YoY while Radiologic Technologist demand is growing at 6% YoY. Speech-Language Pathologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Speech-Language Pathologist 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 — Speech-Language Pathologist or Radiologic Technologist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.