Surgical Technologist vs Radiology Technologist
One pays more, the other gets you working sooner. Side-by-side data on Surgical Technologist vs Radiology Technologist salary, timeline, and ROI.
Salary
Salary Edge
Radiology Technologists earn $14,830 more per year at the median. That's roughly $1,236/month before taxes — a gap that compounds over a career but needs to be weighed against any difference in training time or upfront costs.
Top-Paying States
| State | Surgical Technologist | Radiology Technologist | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $81,120 | $107,670 | -26,550 |
| Oregon | $79,410 | $99,530 | -20,120 |
| Massachusetts | $78,300 | $99,910 | -21,610 |
| Hawaii | $76,200 | $99,670 | -23,470 |
| Washington | $73,460 | $93,920 | -20,460 |
| New York | $75,250 | $91,520 | -16,270 |
| Connecticut | $80,590 | $85,370 | -4,780 |
| Alaska | $79,040 | $85,870 | -6,830 |
| Nevada | $76,740 | $88,120 | -11,380 |
| District of Columbia | $65,450 | $99,080 | -33,630 |
Requirements at a Glance
| Factor | Surgical Technologist | Radiology Technologist |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Time | 9-24 months | 2 years |
| Est. Total Cost | — | — |
| Exam | NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam | ARRT Radiography Examination |
| License Required | Some states | Many states |
| Education | Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. | Completion of an accredited radiologic technology program |
| CE Hours/Cycle | 33 hrs | 23 hrs |
Barrier to Entry
Timeline differs: Surgical Technologist typically takes 9-24 months, while Radiology Technologist takes 2 years. Radiology Technologist licensing is more universal — required in 86% of states versus 2% for Surgical Technologist.
Job Market
Market Outlook
Growth projections are similar — Surgical Technologist at +4.5% and Radiology Technologist at +4.3%. Radiology Technologist has significantly more annual openings (12.9 vs 7), which means more geographic flexibility when job hunting.
Bottom Line
Radiology Technologist pays $14,830/year more at the national median. Over a 10-year career, that gap adds up to roughly $148,300 in gross earnings — though Radiology Technologist may require more training upfront.
Training timelines differ: Surgical Technologist takes 9-24 months while Radiology Technologist takes 2 years. If you need to start earning quickly, the shorter path has a real advantage regardless of the salary difference.