Radiologists
SOC Code: 29-1224
Radiologists carries a 48% AI exposure score (High automation risk) and +2.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 28,200 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
Radiologists (SOC 29-1224) carries an AI exposure score of 48%, 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 28,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.7% 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 Radiologists. 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. Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings.
- 2. Perform or interpret the outcomes of diagnostic imaging procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology treadmill studies, mammography, or ultrasound.
- 3. Document the performance, interpretation, or outcomes of all procedures performed.
- 4. Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families.
- 5. Obtain patients' histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians.
- 6. Review or transmit images and information using picture archiving or communications systems.
- 7. Confer with medical professionals regarding image-based diagnoses.
- 8. Recognize or treat complications during and after procedures, including blood pressure problems, pain, oversedation, or bleeding.
- 9. Perform interventional procedures such as image-guided biopsy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, transhepatic biliary drainage, or nephrostomy catheter placement.
- 10. Develop or monitor procedures to ensure adequate quality control of images.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Physics
- Public Safety and Security
- Communications and Media
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Radiologists?
Radiologists has an AI exposure score of 48%, 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 Radiologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Radiologists is projected to grow by 2.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 28,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Radiologists?
Key skills for Radiologists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Radiologists earn?
Wage data for Radiologists 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 Radiologists?
The typical entry-level education for Radiologists 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 Radiologists?
Radiologists 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).