Magnetic resonance imaging technologists
SOC Code: 29-2035
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists carries a 45% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $88,180 and +7.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 44,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 45% AI exposure, Magnetic resonance imaging technologists sits 8 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 81% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Magnetic resonance imaging technologists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists has ai exposure of 45%. 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.
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Magnetic resonance imaging technologists 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
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035) carries an AI exposure score of 45%, 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 44,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +7.1% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $88,180, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus Less than 5 years 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 Magnetic resonance imaging technologists. 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. Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
- 2. Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
- 3. Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- 4. Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
- 5. Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- 6. Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
- 7. Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
- 8. Take brief medical histories from patients.
- 9. Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
- 10. Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Operations Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Operation and Control
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Biology
- Psychology
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Magnetic resonance imaging technologists?
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists has an AI exposure score of 45%, 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 Magnetic resonance imaging technologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to grow by 7.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 44,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Magnetic resonance imaging technologists?
Key skills for Magnetic resonance imaging technologists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn?
The median annual wage for Magnetic resonance imaging technologists is $88,180, 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 Magnetic resonance imaging technologists?
The typical entry-level education for Magnetic resonance imaging technologists is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Magnetic resonance imaging technologists?
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists 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
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).