Nuclear medicine technologists
SOC Code: 29-2033
Nuclear medicine technologists carries a 53% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $97,020 and +3.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 20,000 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
Nuclear medicine technologists (SOC 29-2033) carries an AI exposure score of 53%, 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 20,000 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 $97,020, 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 Nuclear medicine 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. Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
- 2. Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
- 3. Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
- 4. Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
- 5. Record and process results of procedures.
- 6. Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
- 7. Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
- 8. Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
- 9. Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment or cameras.
- 10. Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Science
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- English Language
- Physics
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Chemistry
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Nuclear medicine technologists?
Nuclear medicine technologists has an AI exposure score of 53%, 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 Nuclear medicine technologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Nuclear medicine technologists is projected to grow by 3.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 20,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Nuclear medicine technologists?
Key skills for Nuclear medicine technologists include Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Nuclear medicine technologists earn?
The median annual wage for Nuclear medicine technologists is $97,020, 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 Nuclear medicine technologists?
The typical entry-level education for Nuclear medicine technologists 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 Nuclear medicine technologists?
Nuclear medicine 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
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
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).