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
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine. According to the wage tables, average income is $311K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $126K per year | NA per year | $311K per year | NA per year | $607K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $246K 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.
In Canada, becoming a radiologist typically involves completing four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of medical school leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Graduates then complete a five-year residency in diagnostic radiology, after which many pursue additional fellowship training in a subspecialty area, usually lasting one to two years.
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.
