Radiologic technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 29-2034
Radiologic technologists and technicians carries a 51% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $77,660 and +4.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 228,000 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
Radiologic technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2034) carries an AI exposure score of 51%, 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 228,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $77,660, 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 Radiologic 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. Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- 2. Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- 3. Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- 4. Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- 5. Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- 6. Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- 7. Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
- 8. Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
- 9. Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
- 10. Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Operation and Control
- Coordination
- Operations Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Psychology
- Physics
- Biology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Radiologic technologists and technicians?
Radiologic technologists and technicians has an AI exposure score of 51%, 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 Radiologic technologists and technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Radiologic technologists and technicians is projected to grow by 4.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 228,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Radiologic technologists and technicians?
Key skills for Radiologic technologists and technicians include Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Radiologic technologists and technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Radiologic technologists and technicians is $77,660, 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 Radiologic technologists and technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Radiologic 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 Radiologic technologists and technicians?
Radiologic 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.
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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).