Diagnose and treat diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques, such as x rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasounds. May perform minimally invasive medical procedures and tests.
SOC: 29-1224.00
Common Job Titles
Diagnostic Radiologist
Nuclear Medicine Physician
Physician
Radiologist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate diagnostic imaging studies including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and PET scans in clinical settings, interpreting complex pathology to guide treatment decisions.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze medical imaging data and laboratory results using advanced knowledge of physics, biology, and medicine to identify disease patterns.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize radiologic findings with clinical history and patient symptoms to formulate accurate differential diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
Advanced
KnowledgeCreate comprehensive radiologic reports documenting findings and recommendations using standardized medical terminology and PACS/EMR systems for interdisciplinary communication.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate evidence-based imaging protocols and clinical practice guidelines, staying current with emerging technologies and research in diagnostic radiology.
Advanced
MindsetModel professional collaboration and knowledge-sharing practices when training residents, teaching medical students, and mentoring radiologic technologists.
Advanced
MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with diagnostic accuracy requirements when consulting with interdisciplinary medical teams and communicating findings to patients.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures using image-guided techniques, following safety protocols and regulatory standards.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate advanced medical imaging equipment including MRI systems, CT scanners, and nuclear medicine cameras, adjusting technical parameters to optimize image quality while minimizing radiation exposure.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate image quality and technical adequacy of radiologic studies, monitoring compliance with safety standards and determining need for additional imaging.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for appropriate imaging utilization and radiation safety practices when consulting with referring physicians and educating patients about procedures.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess urgent and emergent imaging findings requiring immediate clinical action, prioritizing critical communications with treating physicians under time-sensitive conditions.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Radiologists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
26,290
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $82,810. 25th percentile: U.S. $204,330. 50th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 75th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$82,810
10% of workers earn the following or more
$239,200+
Workers on average earn
$359,820
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Medicine and Dentistry4.7/5
Biology4.5/5
English Language4.3/5
Computers and Electronics3.9/5
Education and Training3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
