Career comparison
Neurologist vs. Radiologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Radiologists earn more at the median ($420,860 vs. $248,560), while neurologists usually get to work faster (12 years after high school of training). Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Radiologists read X-rays, CT and MRI scans to diagnose disease.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Neurologist | Radiologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $248,560 ($119.50/hr) | $420,860 ($202.34/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $83,370 – $450,780 | $89,010 – $594,410 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +6.4% (faster than average) | +3.4% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 300 | 700 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Training time | 12 years after high school | 13 years after high school |
| Key credential | ABPN neurology certification | ABR board certification |
| Work setting | Neurologists work in hospitals, clinics and academic medical centers.. | Radiologists work in hospital reading rooms, imaging centers and from home through teleradiology.. |
What each job does
Neurologist
- Examine patients with neurologic symptoms
- Diagnose brain and nerve disorders
- Read brain imaging and EEGs
- Treat strokes
- Manage epilepsy, MS and Parkinson’s
Radiologist
- Interpret medical images
- Diagnose disease and injuries
- Consult with other physicians
- Perform image-guided procedures
- Supervise imaging protocols
How they’re similar
Both careers involve high-pay, problem-solving, indoor work, and high responsibility. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose neurologist if…
- I’m fascinated by the brain
- I like detective work
- I can handle chronic conditions
Choose radiologist if…
- I’m visual and analytical
- I like technology
- I want remote work options
Still torn? Take the Neurologist fit quiz and the Radiologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, neurologist or radiologist?
Radiologists earn more at the median: $420,860 versus $248,560 for neurologists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Neurologists typically train faster (12 years after high school) than radiologists (13 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects neurologists to grow +6.4% from 2025–35, compared with +3.4% for radiologists.