Surgical Technologists vs Radiologic Technicians salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that Surgical Technologists have an average annual salary of $53,590, whereas Radiologic Technicians earn an average of $66,490 annually. This indicates that Radiologic Technicians earn more than Surgical Technologists.

However, the amount of pay an employee receives can be influenced by factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which they work. For example, Surgical Technologists who work in California (with salary averaging $68,410) may earn more than those who work in Mississippi ($40,250). To give another example, the average salary of Radiologic Technicians in California is 91% higher compared to those in Mississippi.

Surgical Technologists vs Radiologic Technicians overview

Surgical Technologists and Radiologic Technicians are two important occupations in the Hospitals industry. There is a common interest in understanding the differences between these job titles, as well as the average pay for each.

Surgical Technologist job description

Surgical Technologists assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons’ assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Surgical Technologist education and experience

41% of Surgical Technologists have completed an Associate's Degree, 31% have a Post-Secondary Certificate, and 23% hold a College Course Certificate. Regarding experience, 40% of Surgical Technologist jobs require a 6 months to 1 year of experience in the field. A smaller percentage of jobs (37%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Surgical Technologist average salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in 2021, there were 109,060 Surgical Technologists working in the United States, and on average, they earned $53,590 per year. The bottom 10 percent earned $36,930 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $75,940 or more. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has grown by 4%.

Do Surgical Technologists make good money?

Surgical Technologists are not typically well paid, as their average salary is 8% lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they earn about a quarter less than the average wage of the Hospitals industry ($72,260).

Surgical Technologists are not typically well paid, as their average salary is 8% lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Surgical Technologists job growth

In 2021, there have been 1,660 more Surgical Technologist positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 1.5%. The average job growth over the past 3 years has been -0.3%.

Radiologic Technician job description

Alternative names: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Radiologic Technicians take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient’s bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

Radiologic Technician education and experience

Most Radiologic Technicians (73%) have completed an Associate's Degree. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with a Post-Secondary Certificate (17%) and a Bachelor's Degree (11%). With regard to experience, 38% of Radiologic Technician occupations require a 1 to 2 years of previous work-related experience. A smaller number of roles (25%) do not require any previous experience.

Radiologic Technician average salary

Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 216,380 Radiologic Technicians were employed by the United States in 2021, and their average annual wage was $66,490. The lowest earning 10 percent made $46,850 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $94,880 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has risen by 2.5%.

Do Radiologic Technicians make good money?

The mean salary of Radiologic Technicians is 14% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260). In contrast, they make 8% less than the mean earnings of the Hospitals industry ($72,260).

The mean salary of Radiologic Technicians is 14% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

Radiologic Technicians job growth

In 2021, there have been 9,660 more Radiologic Technician roles than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a growth of 4.7%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged 1.7%.

FAQ

Do Surgical Technologists or Radiologic Technicians make more?

Radiologic Technicians make about a quarter more than Surgical Technologists. The average annual salary for Surgical Technologists is $53,590, compared to $66,490 for Radiologic Technicians.

How long does it take to become a Surgical Technologist vs Radiologic Technician?

Both Surgical Technologist and Radiologic Technician jobs generally require a Associate's Degree. It usually takes around 2 years to complete an Associate's Degree.

Is it harder to become a Surgical Technologist vs Radiologic Technician?

The education requirements for both job titles are similar, making the difficulty of achieving either one equal.