Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians score 38 out of 100, which is moderate exposure to AI. That ranks #446 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 30 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 0 on its own and 23 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 1 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

38/ 100

Moderate

Rank: #446of 923 jobs
US workers: 230,490BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $80,110a year
In real AI use: 1 of 30tasks, 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: 0 (0%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 23 (77%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 7 (23%)

Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
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.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Maintain a current file of examination protocols.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists and technicians.AI can speed this up with extra software
Perform supervisory duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules.AI can speed this up with extra software
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.AI can speed this up with extra software
Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Transport patients to or from exam rooms.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

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Questions about radiologic technologists and technicians and AI

Will AI replace radiologic technologists and technicians?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Radiologic Technologists and Technicians score 38 out of 100 (moderate exposure), #446 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 23 of the job's 30 tasks, 0 of them on its own, while 7 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which radiologic technologists and technicians tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination"; "Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician"; "Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan".

Which radiologic technologists and technicians tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician"; "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".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 1 of the 30 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as radiologic technologists and technicians, and what do they earn?

About 230,490 people in the US, with median pay of $80,110 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.