Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

O*NET-SOC code: 29-2035.00

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Moderate· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery high
Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
Source dataset (XLSX download)
Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.039
0.000Range of values carried here0.745
Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
Source dataset (CSV download)
Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.22
0.09Range of values carried here0.70
Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

23 rated tasks · 14 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (60.9%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
1 rated task is not in the O*NET 31.0 task list; its score is kept as published for O*NET 27.2.

Source: OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release: gh-main-0471612
License: MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI

Task (O*NET 30.2)	Claude.aiRaw / share %	APIRaw / share %
Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals. 29-2035.00	0.00000.0	0.00000.0
Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members. 29-2035.00	0.00000.0	—0
Not observed on any surface — 22 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states.
Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.	—0	—0
Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.	—0	—0
Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.	—0	—0
Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.	—0	—0
Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.	—0	—0
Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.	—0	—0
Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.	—0	—0
Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.	—0	—0
Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.	—0	—0
Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.	—0	—0
Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.	—0	—0
Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.	—0	—0
Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.	—0	—0
Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.	—0	—0
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.	—0	—0
Take brief medical histories from patients.	—0	—0
Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.	—0	—0
Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.	—0	—0
Comfort patients during exams, or request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.	—0	—0
Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.	—0	—0
Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.	—0	—0
Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.	—0	—0

Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.

Task (O*NET 27.2)	βE1 + 0.5 × E2
Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals. O*NET Task ID 19238	1.0
Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos. O*NET Task ID 19218	0.5
Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation. O*NET Task ID 19220	0.5
Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images. O*NET Task ID 19221	0.5
Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members. O*NET Task ID 19222	0.5
Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera. O*NET Task ID 19224	0.5
Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. O*NET Task ID 19225	0.5
Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images. O*NET Task ID 19228	0.5
Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation. O*NET Task ID 19231	0.5
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. O*NET Task ID 19232	0.5
Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head. O*NET Task ID 19233	0.5
Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients. O*NET Task ID 19235	0.5
Take brief medical histories from patients. O*NET Task ID 19236	0.5
Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications. O*NET Task ID 19237	0.5
Show 4 more tasks ▾Show less ▴
Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts. O*NET Task ID 19216	0.0
Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware. O*NET Task ID 19217	0.0
Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units. O*NET Task ID 19219	0.0
Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice. O*NET Task ID 19223	0.0
Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging. O*NET Task ID 19226	0.0
Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise. O*NET Task ID 19227	0.0
Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils. O*NET Task ID 19229	0.0
Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies. O*NET Task ID 19230	0.0
Request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia. O*NET Task ID 19234	0.0

β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (24)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)	Type
Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.	Core
Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.	Core
Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.	Core
Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.	Core
Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.	Core
Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.	Core
Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.	Core
Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.	Core
Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.	Core
Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.	Core
Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.	Core
Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.	Core
Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.	Core
Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.	Core
Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.	Core
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.	Core
Take brief medical histories from patients.	Core
Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.	Core
Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.	Core
Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.	Core
Comfort patients during exams, or request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.	Core
Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.	Supplemental
Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.	Supplemental
Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.	Supplemental

Anthropic, "What work can robots do?"2026-09

0.04/ 3· Robot exposure index

0 none3 unstructured settings

Scale, basis and source

Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time

Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks

Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.

Source dataset

The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.

Tier of each physical task

Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)

E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site

Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.

Task (O*NET 29.3)	Robot environment tier
Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.	E0 none
Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.	E0 none
Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.	E0 none
Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.	E0 none
Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.	E0 none
Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.	E0 none
Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.	E0 none
Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.	E0 none
Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.	E0 none
Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
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.	E0 none
Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.	E1 purpose-built robot settings

Employment outlook (BLS)

Employment, 2025: 44K
Projected employment, 2035: 47K
Change (2025–35): +7.7%
Median annual wage, 2025: $95,480
Typical education needed for entry: Associate's degree

lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO code	KSCO title	Relation	Status
24620	방사선사	This occupation is narrower	confirmed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

ISCO-08 3211Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Equipment Technicians

The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.

Medical imaging and therapeutic equipment technicians test and operate radiographic, ultrasound and other medical imaging equipment to produce images of body structures for the diagnosis and treatment of injury, disease and other impairments. They may administer radiation treatments to patients under the supervision of a radiologist or other health professional.

Tasks

(a) operating or overseeing operation of radiologic, ultrasound and magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes;
(b) explaining procedures, observing and positioning patients, and using protection devices to ensure safety and comfort during examination, scan or treatment;
(c) position imaging or treatment equipment, monitoring video displays, and adjusting settings and controls according to technical specifications;
(d) reviewing and evaluating developed x-rays, video tape or computer generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, and recording results of procedures;
(e) monitoring patients' conditions and reactions, and reporting abnormal signs to a medical practitioner;
(f) measuring and recording radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received and used for patients, following prescription issued by a medical practitioner;
(g) administering, detecting and mapping radiopharmaceuticals or radiation in patients' bodies, using radioisotope, camera or other equipment for diagnosing and treating diseases;
(h) recording and disposing of radioactive materials and storing radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.

Example occupations

Diagnostic medical radiographer · Magnetic resonance imaging technologist · Mammographer · Medical radiation therapist · Nuclear medicine technologist · Radiographer · Sonographer

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.

diagnostic radiographerESCO 2269.8.1This occupation is narrower
Diagnostic radiographers plan, prepare and perform diagnostic imaging examinations and post processing, with a wide range of equipment and techniques using X-rays, strong magnetic fields or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and high frequency sound (Ultrasound).
radiographerESCO 2269.8Overlapping, not the same
Radiographers use a range of technologies to examine, treat and care for patients. They work in the fields of Medical Imaging, Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine and apply ionising radiation, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and radioactive sources.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME code	ROME title (French)	Relation
J1306	Manipulateur / Manipulatrice d'électroradiologie médicale	This occupation is narrowerprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 code	CNO-11 title (Spanish)	Relation
3312	Técnicos en imagen para el diagnóstico	This occupation is narrower

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB code	KldB title (German)	Relation
81232	Medizinisch-technische Berufe in der Radiologie - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten	This occupation is narrowerprovisional
81233	Medizinisch-technische Berufe in der Radiologie - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten	Related, not a matchprovisional

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO code	JSCO title (Japanese)	Relation
141	診療放射線技師	This occupation is narrower

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources