Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 29-2031
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians carries a 44% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $67,260 and +3.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 64,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2031) carries an AI exposure score of 44%, placing it in the High 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 in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 64,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.0% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $67,260, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's 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 Cardiovascular technologists and technicians. 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. Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress testing, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
- 2. Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standard norms to identify abnormalities.
- 3. Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
- 4. Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- 5. Observe ultrasound display screen and listen to signals to record vascular information, such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, or cerebral circulation.
- 6. Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (EKG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to notify the physician if something appears wrong.
- 7. Assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac or peripheral vascular treatments, such as implanting pacemakers or assisting with balloon angioplasties to treat blood vessel blockages.
- 8. Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results.
- 9. Assess cardiac physiology and calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.
- 10. Operate diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Administrative
- Physics
- Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Cardiovascular technologists and technicians?
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians has an AI exposure score of 44%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Cardiovascular technologists and technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow by 3.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 64,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Cardiovascular technologists and technicians?
Key skills for Cardiovascular technologists and technicians include Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Cardiovascular technologists and technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Cardiovascular technologists and technicians is $67,260, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Cardiovascular technologists and technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Cardiovascular technologists and technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Cardiovascular technologists and technicians?
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians 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
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
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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).