Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists score 32 out of 100, which is moderate exposure to AI. That ranks #503 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 23 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 1 on its own and 13 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 2 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

32/ 100

Moderate

Rank: #503of 923 jobs
US workers: 43,390BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $95,480a year
In real AI use: 2 of 23tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (4%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 13 (57%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 9 (39%)

Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Take brief medical histories from patients.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Operate optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, such as functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or musculoskeletal anatomy and trajectory visualization.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

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Questions about magnetic resonance imaging technologists and AI

Will AI replace magnetic resonance imaging technologists?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists score 32 out of 100 (moderate exposure), #503 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 14 of the job's 23 tasks, 1 of them on its own, while 9 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which magnetic resonance imaging technologists tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals".

Which magnetic resonance imaging technologists tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice"; "Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging"; "Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 2 of the 23 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as magnetic resonance imaging technologists, and what do they earn?

About 43,390 people in the US, with median pay of $95,480 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.