Career comparison
Radiologic Technologist vs. Respiratory Therapist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Respiratory therapists earn more at the median ($82,280 vs. $80,110), while radiologic technologists usually get to work faster (2 years of training). Radiologic technologists take the X-rays and diagnostic images doctors use to find fractures, disease and injuries. Respiratory therapists help patients breathe, from asthma treatments to managing ventilators in the ICU.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Radiologic Technologist | Respiratory Therapist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $80,110 ($38.52/hr) | $82,280 ($39.56/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $55,980 – $118,660 | $63,660 – $118,050 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.0% (faster than average) | +8.5% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 13,000 | 8,600 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | Associate's degree |
| Training time | 2 years | 2 years |
| Key credential | ARRT Radiography (R) | Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) |
| Work setting | Technologists work in hospital radiology departments, emergency departments, imaging centers and clinics. | Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals, especially ICUs, emergency departments and neonatal units. |
What each job does
Radiologic Technologist
- Review imaging orders and confirm patient identity
- Explain procedures and answer patient questions
- Position patients and equipment for the correct views
- Set exposure factors and capture diagnostic images
- Apply radiation protection for patients, staff and yourself
Respiratory Therapist
- Assess patients’ breathing, oxygen levels and lung sounds
- Give aerosol, inhaler and oxygen therapy
- Set up, monitor and adjust mechanical ventilators
- Draw and analyze arterial blood gases
- Respond to codes, rapid responses and intubations
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, helping others, working with people, and indoor work. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose radiologic technologist if…
- I’m interested in anatomy and how the body works
- I like technology and equipment
- I can stay calm with patients in pain
Choose respiratory therapist if…
- I want to help people in critical situations
- I like science and physiology
- I can stay calm during emergencies
Still torn? Take the Radiologic Technologist fit quiz and the Respiratory Therapist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, radiologic technologist or respiratory therapist?
Respiratory Therapists earn more at the median: $82,280 versus $80,110 for radiologic technologists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Radiologic Technologists typically train faster (2 years) than respiratory therapists (2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects respiratory therapists to grow +8.5% from 2025–35, compared with +5.0% for radiologic technologists.