Radiologist

O*NET: Radiologists·29-1224.00

The Verdict:AI excels at routine image detection and triage, generating preliminary reads that humans verify with clinical context. Interventional procedures demand hands-on skill, while regulatory barriers and physician trust protect core judgment. The role evolves through augmentation, with demand growing amid shortages—no elimination in sight over the next decade.

Resilience Score

/100

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.

$239k

Job Growth (10yr)

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

+2.7%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 7 of 30 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

23%

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role has a mixed AI profile.
7 tasks are automatable, 33% reward AI fluency, and 13 remain human-essential.

7exposed

10AI leverage

13human-essential

View all 30 tasks

AI Can Handle This7 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Document the performance, interpretation, or outcomes of all procedures performed.

Review or transmit images and information using picture archiving or communications systems.

Calculate, measure, or prepare radioisotope dosages.

Check and approve the quality of diagnostic images before patients are discharged.

Compare nuclear medicine procedures with other types of procedures, such as computed tomography, ultrasonography, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography.

Review procedure requests and patients' medical histories to determine applicability of procedures and radioisotopes to be used.

Test dosage evaluation instruments and survey meters to ensure they are operating properly.

AI Leverage10 tasks

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

Prepare comprehensive interpretive reports of findings.

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.

Obtain patients' histories from electronic records, patient interviews, dictated reports, or by communicating with referring clinicians.

Develop or monitor procedures to ensure adequate quality control of images.

Establish or enforce standards for protection of patients or personnel.

Participate in continuing education activities to maintain and develop expertise.

Participate in quality improvement activities including discussions of areas where risk of error is high.

Direct nuclear medicine technologists or technicians regarding desired dosages, techniques, positions, and projections.

Formulate plans and procedures for nuclear medicine departments.

Monitor handling of radioactive materials to ensure that established procedures are followed.

Human Advantage13 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Communicate examination results or diagnostic information to referring physicians, patients, or families.

Confer with medical professionals regarding image-based diagnoses.

Recognize or treat complications during and after procedures, including blood pressure problems, pain, oversedation, or bleeding.

Provide counseling to radiologic patients to explain the processes, risks, benefits, or alternative treatments.

Coordinate radiological services with other medical activities.

Instruct radiologic staff in desired techniques, positions, or projections.

Perform interventional procedures such as image-guided biopsy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, transhepatic biliary drainage, or nephrostomy catheter placement.

Develop treatment plans for radiology patients.

Administer radioisotopes to clinical patients or research subjects.

Advise other physicians of the clinical indications, limitations, assessments, or risks of diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radioactive materials.

Establish and enforce radiation protection standards for patients and staff.

Prescribe radionuclides and dosages to be administered to individual patients.

Teach nuclear medicine, diagnostic radiology, or other specialties at graduate educational level.

Resilience Landscape

Radiologist lands in Stable & Well-Paid

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Task Analysis

Resilience Landscape

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