Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound. They play a critical role in healthcare by providing essential information for the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: 3.6% (average)
Annual job openings: 800
Direct AI exposure: 31% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 71% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $421K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $89K per year | $217K per year | $421K per year | $506K per year | $594K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $370K above the national average. | ||||
Radiologists primarily work in hospitals, medical centers, and private radiology practices. They often spend a significant amount of time in darkened rooms analyzing images, but also work in clinical settings for procedures. The role may involve communicating with other physicians and patients, and it often requires long hours, including on-call duty.
Radiologists are integral to the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, offering insights that guide other medical professionals in patient care. Their work requires a deep understanding of anatomy, pathology, and physics, as well as proficiency in various imaging technologies. They must interpret images accurately and communicate their findings clearly to other healthcare providers.
In addition to diagnostic work, many radiologists perform interventional procedures, such as biopsies or placing stents, using imaging for guidance. This aspect of the job requires good hand-eye coordination, precision, and the ability to work under pressure.
Radiologists must keep abreast of technological advancements and evolving medical knowledge. They often work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, requiring excellent communication skills. Though patient contact may be less than in other medical specialties, their work significantly impacts patient care and outcomes.
Becoming a radiologist typically requires a 4-year undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical school, and 4-5 years of residency training in radiology. Many radiologists also complete 1-2 years of additional fellowship training in a subspecialty.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
