Who Makes More Traveling: Respiratory Therapist or Radiology Tech?

Who makes more traveling, respiratory therapist or radiology tech? You already picked your field. Now you want to know if you picked the right one for your paycheck. On a travel contract respiratory therapists in critical care hit $1,800 to $2,400 a week. Radiology techs in MRI or interventional hit $2,000 to $2,800. X-ray techs on travel contracts average $1,600 to $2,000 a week depending on setting and state. All three are strong travel careers with consistent demand across the country. At Junxion we staff all of them and we can tell you exactly what your number looks like before you sign anything. Talk to a recruiter today.

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Who Makes More Traveling: Respiratory Therapist or Radiology Tech? 

Let’s get straight to it: who makes more: respiratory therapist or radiology tech?

On average, respiratory therapists slightly outrank radiology techs in annual salary. Based on national stats, RTs earn about $70,540 per year, while radiologic technologists make around $67,180. So, if we’re going by base salary alone, RTs win—but there’s more to this story.

Specialty Changes Everything

Within radiology, technologists who specialize (like in MRI or interventional procedures) can boost their income significantly. Many of the best paying radiology jobs are in these specialized areas, with some reaching six figures with the right experience and credentials.

In contrast, respiratory therapy offers fewer specializations—but a high demand, especially in critical care and pulmonary rehab settings, helps keep salaries competitive.

Responsibilities: What Does Each Job Look Like?

Daily Life of a Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists work closely with patients to help manage breathing conditions. You’ll often find them in ERs, ICUs, or pulmonary care units.

Common tasks include:

• Administering oxygen and managing ventilators
• Evaluating lung function
• Teaching patients how to manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD

Daily Life of a Radiology Tech

Radiology techs use imaging technology to help doctors diagnose internal problems. They might specialize in X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, depending on training.

Their role includes:

• Prepping patients for imaging
• Operating machines and capturing images
• Ensuring safety protocols to limit radiation exposure

Both roles are patient-facing and essential—but they have very different vibes. If you’re into hands-on tech and visual diagnostics, radiology might be your jam. If you enjoy clinical care and helping people breathe easier, RT work might suit you better.

Respiratory Therapist vs Radiology Tech Salary by Setting

Another way to look at respiratory therapist vs radiology tech salary is by where you work. Hospital settings usually pay more than clinics or outpatient centers. And if you’re willing to work nights, weekends, or travel contracts, that number can jump fast.

At Junxion Med Staffing, many of our travelers enjoy higher-than-average compensation thanks to flexible contracts and housing stipends. You can explore some of our radiology tech opportunities and see what’s open near you.

Education Requirements: Similar Start, Different Finish

Both careers typically start with an associate degree. Whether you want to be a radiology tech or a respiratory therapist, you’ll need formal training and certification.

Radiology Technicians Need:

• A 2-year degree in radiologic technology
• ARRT certification (and sometimes state licensure)
• Continuing education to stay up to date

Respiratory Therapists Need:

• A 2-year degree in respiratory care (some positions prefer a bachelor’s)
• NBRC certification
• State licensure to practice

So if you’re comparing radiology vs respiratory therapist salary and wondering about the effort it takes to get there—training time and costs are pretty comparable.

Growth and Demand: Where the Jobs Are

No matter which route you choose, both fields are growing steadily. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for radiologic techs is expected to grow 6% through 2032, while respiratory therapists are projected at 13% growth in the same time frame.

That’s a big edge for RTs, especially in post-pandemic America where lung health has taken center stage.

If you’re already licensed and ready to go, we make onboarding quick. Our employee resources page is full of helpful tools to get you travel-ready.

Annual Salary for Radiology Technician: Breaking It Down

The annual salary for radiology technician roles ranges widely depending on your subspecialty and certifications.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

• X-ray Techs: Around $60,000–$70,000
• CT or MRI Techs: Closer to $80,000 or more
• Interventional Radiology Techs: Often $90,000+ with call pay and overtime

So if you’re asking who makes more: radiology tech or respiratory therapist, the answer might depend on which type of rad tech job you’re comparing.

Are Respiratory Therapists Nurses?

Not quite, but it’s a common question: are respiratory therapists nurses?

Respiratory therapists are not nurses, though they work closely alongside nursing staff in many clinical environments. Nurses provide general patient care across systems, while RTs specialize in pulmonary treatments and airway management.

Different credentials, different training—but often similar teamwork on the floor.

Travel Careers and Lifestyle Perks

Whether you go with RT or rad tech, traveling can give you a big edge in pay, experience, and adventure. At Junxion Med Staffing, we connect you with top contracts, provide housing stipends, and make sure you’re supported from day one.

New to travel? Here’s what to pack for your first assignment so you hit the ground running.

You can also browse open roles across 20+ states on our travel allied health careers hub.