Radiologists
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 RadiologistNuclear Medicine PhysicianPhysicianRadiologist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
| 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Epic SystemsMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordeClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
ACOM Solutions RAPID EMRAdvanced Data Systems MedicsRisAllscripts PMAllscripts Professional EHRAlteer OfficeAutomatic Data Processing AdvancedMD EHRAvreo Radiology Workflow SolutionsBenchmark Systems Benchmark Clinical EHR
Tools & Equipment
Automated blood pressure cuffsBeta vial shieldsBone densitometersComputed tomography CT equipmentComputed tomography CT systemsCone-beam collimatorsConverging collimatorsDesktop computers