Radiologist vs. X-Ray Technologist Hourly Pay: 2020 BLS Data Shows Wide Gap

Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2020) median hourly wages:

• Radiologists (physicians): $129.73/hr (~$270,000/yr full-time).
• Radiologic Technologists (RTs): $30.61/hr (~$63,700/yr).

Context

• Radiologists: 13+ years training (college, med school, residency, fellowship); professional liability, interpretation responsibility.
• RTs: 2–4 years education; technical acquisition, patient care, QA.
• Overlap at extremes: top-earning RTs (travel, OT, advanced modality) may exceed low-earning radiologists (academic, part-time).

Career trajectory, debt, lifestyle, and scope differ profoundly.