Radiology Technician vs. Surgical Technician: Which Career Path is Right for You?
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Radiology technicians and surgical technicians both play hands-on roles in patient care, but their day-to-day work is very different. A radiology technician runs diagnostic imaging like X-rays and CT scans and works face to face with patients, while a surgical technician sets up the operating room and hands instruments to the surgical team during procedures. Radiology technicians also earn more, with a median of $80,110 a year compared with $64,650 for surgical technicians, according to May 2025 BLS data. Both fields are projected to grow 4% through 2034. The right choice comes down to whether you want steady, direct patient contact built around imaging technology, or a fast-paced support role inside the operating room.
Medical Radiography Associate's - ECPI University, Manassas VA
- Format: Hybrid
- Length: 18 months
- Accredited by JRCERT
Associate of Science in Medical Radiography - MCI, Newport News VA
- Format: Hybrid
- Prepares for the ARRT R.T.(R) certification
Related Sterile Processing Programs
These Berkeley College programs prepare you for sterile processing and central service roles. That work supports surgical teams but differs from the operating-room surgical technologist compared above, and Dreambound's matching surgical technologist programs are not featured in this section.
Certificate in Surgical Processing Technician - Berkeley College, Woodland Park NJ
Also available at Newark, NJ.
- Format: In person
- Length: 30 to 45 weeks
- Prepares for the CRCST exam through the HSPA
AAS, Sterile Technology - Berkeley College, Woodland Park NJ
- Format: In person
- Includes off-campus clinical practicums in sterile technique and instrument handling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is higher than a radiology technician?
Radiologic technologists can advance by earning additional ARRT credentials in areas such as CT, mammography, or MRI, or by moving into supervision, education, or the advanced Registered Radiologist Assistant role, which requires a master's degree and further credentialing. Radiation therapy and diagnostic medical sonography are related but separate careers with their own training and credentials.
What pays more, a radiology tech or a sonographer?
Diagnostic medical sonographers generally earn a higher median wage nationally than radiology technicians, though both are imaging-focused careers with often similar training lengths. If sonography interests you, compare its certification path and program length against radiography before deciding, since the day-to-day imaging work differs.
Can you switch from surgical tech to radiology tech?
Yes, but it takes separate training. The two roles use different accredited programs and certification exams, so a surgical technician moving into radiology would need to complete a radiography program and pass the ARRT exam. Some general education credits may transfer and shorten the path.
What is the difference between a surgical technologist and a sterile processing technician?
A surgical technologist scrubs in during surgery, maintains the sterile field, and passes instruments to the surgical team. A sterile processing technician works outside the operating room, decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, and sterilizing instruments. The roles use different certifications and typically earn different wages.
Choosing Between Radiology and Surgical Technology
The clearest divide between these two careers is the mix of pay, patient contact, and time in training. Radiology technology pays a higher median wage and is regulated in most states through a state-issued license, while surgical technology offers a shorter route into a fast-paced operating room role with requirements that vary more widely by state.
Both are stable healthcare careers with room to specialize later. Compare radiology and surgical technology programs on Dreambound based on the trade-off that matters most to you: higher pay and steady patient contact, or a faster path into the operating room.
