Radiology Technician vs Respiratory Therapist (2025)
When choosing a career in healthcare, radiology technician and respiratory therapist are two popular and rewarding options. The right choice depends on whether you prefer working with diagnostic technology or providing hands-on therapeutic care. Respiratory therapists focus on treating breathing disorders and earn a median salary of $80,450 per year, with jobs projected to grow by 13%.12 Radiology technicians operate imaging equipment, earn a median of $77,660 annually, and have a projected job growth of 5%.34
This guide compares these professions, covering job duties, education, and the latest career outlook to help you decide which path is right for you.
Choosing the Right Path
Deciding between these two careers depends on your personal interests and professional goals.
- Choose radiology technician if you are fascinated by technology, have strong attention to detail, and prefer a technical, procedure-oriented role with less direct patient management.
- Choose respiratory therapist if you seek direct, hands-on patient care, thrive in fast-paced environments, and want to be on the front lines of life-saving treatment.
Final Thoughts
Both radiology technicians and respiratory therapists have rewarding, stable careers in the growing healthcare industry. By understanding the key differences in job duties, patient interaction, and career outlook, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.
Dreambound is here to help you find the right training program to start your journey in allied health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more money, a respiratory therapist or a radiology technician?
Respiratory therapists have a slightly higher national median salary at $80,450 per year compared to $77,660 for radiology technicians, according to May 2024 BLS data.13 However, top earners in high-paying states like California have very similar wage potential, with both roles exceeding $103,000 annually.89
Is respiratory therapy or radiology tech harder?
The difficulty is subjective and depends on your skills. Respiratory therapy can be more emotionally and physically demanding due to direct involvement in critical care, emergencies, and life-or-death situations. Radiology technology requires strong technical aptitude, precision, and a deep understanding of physics and anatomy to produce quality diagnostic images.
Which career has faster job growth?
Respiratory therapy has a much faster projected job growth of 13% from 2022 to 2032. This is significantly higher than the 5% growth projected for radiology technicians and is driven by the needs of an aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases.24
Do radiology techs or respiratory therapists have more patient interaction?
Respiratory therapists have significantly more hands-on, continuous patient interaction. Their role is centered on providing treatment, managing care, and educating patients and their families. A radiology technician's interaction is typically brief and focused on explaining the procedure and positioning the patient correctly for imaging.
Pia Yapjoco is part of the school growth and sales team at Dreambound. She helps facilitate school partnerships that expand educational opportunities for aspiring students in allied health and other trades. Beyond work, she curates her pup's Instagram, hunts for hidden coffee gems, and escapes into cozy gaming.
