Career comparison
Radiologic Technologist vs. Surgical Technologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Radiologic technologists earn more at the median ($80,110 vs. $64,650), while surgical technologists usually get to work faster (12–24 months of training). Radiologic technologists take the X-rays and diagnostic images doctors use to find fractures, disease and injuries. Surgical technologists prepare the operating room, keep the sterile field and pass instruments to surgeons.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Radiologic Technologist | Surgical Technologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $80,110 ($38.52/hr) | $64,650 ($31.08/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $55,980 – $118,660 | $45,940 – $96,940 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.0% (faster than average) | +5.0% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 13,000 | 7,100 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 2 years | 12–24 months |
| Key credential | ARRT Radiography (R) | CST (NBSTSA) |
| Work setting | Technologists work in hospital radiology departments, emergency departments, imaging centers and clinics. | Most surgical technologists work in hospital operating rooms; others work in outpatient surgery centers and physicians’ offices that perform surgery. |
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
Surgical Technologist
- Prepare operating rooms with sterile instruments, equipment and supplies
- Perform surgical scrub and gown and glove themselves and the surgical team
- Set up and maintain the sterile field throughout the procedure
- Pass instruments, sutures and supplies to the surgeon, anticipating needs
- Perform counts of sponges, sharps and instruments with the circulator
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, helping others, indoor work, and teamwork. 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 surgical technologist if…
- I can stand and stay focused for hours at a time
- I’m fascinated by surgery and anatomy
- I can stay calm when things get tense
Still torn? Take the Radiologic Technologist fit quiz and the Surgical Technologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, radiologic technologist or surgical technologist?
Radiologic Technologists earn more at the median: $80,110 versus $64,650 for surgical technologists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Surgical Technologists typically train faster (12–24 months) than radiologic technologists (2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects radiologic technologists to grow +5.0% from 2025–35, compared with +5.0% for surgical technologists.