Radiologic Technologist

O*NET: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians·29-2034.00

The Verdict:Imaging requires hands-on patient positioning, real-time equipment adjustments, and safety monitoring tailored to each person's anatomy. AI enhances image review, allowing technologists to scan more efficiently. Licensure and rising diagnostic demand solidify the role over the next decade.

Resilience Score

/100

Highly Resilient

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$78k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+4.3%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 1 of 30 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role's core work is hard to automate.
16 of 30 tasks require human judgment, presence, or trust. The 43% that are AI-leverage offer an edge — professionals who learn these tools will outperform those who don't.

1exposed

13AI leverage

16human-essential

View all 30 tasks

AI Can Handle This1 task

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.

AI Leverage13 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.

Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.

Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.

Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.

Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.

Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.

Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.

Maintain a current file of examination protocols.

Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.

Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.

Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.

Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists and technicians.

Perform supervisory duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules.

Human Advantage16 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.

Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.

Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.

Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.

Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.

Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.

Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.

Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.

Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.

Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.

Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.

Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.

Transport patients to or from exam rooms.

Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.

Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill or injured patients or patients with disabilities.

Provide students or other technicians and technologists with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning, or improved techniques to ensure the images produced are of the highest quality.

Resilience Landscape

Radiologic Technologist lands in Stable & Well-Paid

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