Cardiologists
SOC Code: 29-1212
Cardiologists carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk) and +4.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 19,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 36% AI exposure, Cardiologists sits 1 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 58% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Cardiologists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Cardiologists has ai exposure of 36%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Cardiologists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Cardiologists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Cardiologists (SOC 29-1212) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 19,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.1% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Cardiologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Administer emergency cardiac care for life-threatening heart problems, such as cardiac arrest and heart attack.
- 2. Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, or disease prevention.
- 3. Answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being.
- 4. Calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.
- 5. Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standards to identify abnormalities, using the results of an echocardiogram.
- 6. Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
- 7. Conduct exercise electrocardiogram tests to monitor cardiovascular activity under stress.
- 8. Conduct research to develop or test medications, treatments, or procedures that prevent or control disease or injury.
- 9. Conduct tests of the pulmonary system, using a spirometer or other respiratory testing equipment.
- 10. Design and explain treatment plans, based on patient information such as medical history, reports, and examination results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Cardiologists?
Cardiologists has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Cardiologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Cardiologists is projected to grow by 4.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 19,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Cardiologists?
Cardiologists requires a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Typical education requirement: Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Cardiologists earn?
Wage data for Cardiologists varies by region, experience, and employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes median wage estimates in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Cardiologists?
The typical entry-level education for Cardiologists is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Cardiologists?
Cardiologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).