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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

reviewing physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams, inspecting images for quality and intravenouslying inject contrast dyes. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI is already taking a real slice of the routine work here: creating backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation. That is a slice of tasks, not of you.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

That slice is not coming back; the core of the job, operating magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) scanners, stays yours. New tools, same person answering for it.

Your week, as this page understands it

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. The job title says “magnetic resonance imaging technologists”. The real job is the part underneath: operating magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) scanners. That is the thing someone has to be right about.

The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But magnetic resonance imaging technologists is not one task. It is 24 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is operating magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) scanners, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI
16%
changing shape
0%
staying human
84%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 22 out of 100 (18–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, across 24 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.

How we know this

What is measured: Every published task statement for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-05. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

Shifting to AI

4 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

  • Reviewing physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams

    This is reading one thing and writing another: physicians' orders in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Matching an order to the right scan is a written check against records, with the technologist confirming.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Creating backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation

    This is reading one thing and writing another: backup copies of images in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Copying images to storage is routine computer work that systems already do automatically.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.

  • Writing reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals

    This is reading one thing and writing another: reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Writing up procedure notes from scan records is standard document work AI drafts well for a technologist to sign.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.

  • Scheduling appointments for research subjects or clinical patients

    This is reading one thing and writing another: appointments in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.

    importance 3 · Supplemental
    Source: “Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 85 out of 100 (78–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.

    The rating behind it: Booking appointments is standard scheduling that software already handles end to end.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.

Changing shape

0 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

Nothing in this job’s scored task list landed in this group. That is the measurement, not an editorial choice, and it is worth knowing either way.

Staying human

20 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

  • Conducting screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications

    This work happens in the physical world: interviews of patients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.

    The rating behind it: The safety questions are standard, but someone trained must be with the patient to catch metal before the magnet.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Selecting appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images

    This work happens in the physical world: appropriate imaging techniques, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (15–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.

    The rating behind it: Protocol choice follows published guidance, yet the coil has to be picked and placed at the scanner.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Operating magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) scanners

    This work happens in the physical world: magnetic resonance imaging, mri) scanners, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.

    The rating behind it: Running the scanner means being at the machine with the patient, so software cannot do it from elsewhere.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Providing headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reducing unpleasant noise

    This work happens in the physical world: headphones, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Handing a patient earplugs or headphones is a physical act at the scanner.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Taking brief medical histories from patients

    This work happens in the physical world: brief medical histories, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Take brief medical histories from patients.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 28 out of 100 (21–35 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: History taking follows set questions and digital forms already cover much of it, but patients are usually asked in person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Positioning patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging

    This work happens in the physical world: patients, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Positioning somebody on the scanner cradle needs hands on the patient.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

Show the other 14 tasks

  • Developing or otherwising produce film records of magnetic resonance images

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: produce film records of magnetic resonance images, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Supplemental
    Source: “Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Producing film records is largely automated printing, with a person handling the output.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Inspecting images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: images, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 33 out of 100 (26–40 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Software is good at spotting blurred or incomplete images, though the check happens at the scanner console.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Troubleshooting technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: technical issues, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: AI can suggest fixes from error messages, but tracing a coil or monitor fault means handling the equipment.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Explaining magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives or family members

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: magnetic resonance imaging, mri) procedures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 23 out of 100 (16–30 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: The explanation is standard and could be filmed or written, but nervous patients usually want it in person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Instructing medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: medical staff, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Teaching scanner operation needs someone at the machine showing others how it is done.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Conducting inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: inventories, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Counting stock needs somebody in the storeroom, even though the reorder list is easy to generate.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

  • Calibrating magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) console or peripheral hardware

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: magnetic resonance imaging, mri) console or peripheral hardware, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (3–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Calibrating the console and hardware is hands-on work at the machine.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Testing magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: magnetic resonance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (3–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Equipment testing means handling phantoms and hardware inside the scanner room.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Attaching physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: physiological monitoring leads, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Attaching monitoring leads to a patient needs hands on the person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Connecting physiological leads to physiological acquisition control

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: physiological leads, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Connecting leads to the monitoring unit is physical work at the scanner.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Intravenouslying inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: inject contrast dyes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Core
    Source: “Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.

    The rating behind it: Injecting contrast into a vein is a hands-on clinical act by a trained person.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Operating optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: optical systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “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 statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.

    The rating behind it: Capturing moving images means setting up and running equipment in the scanner room.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

  • Placing and securing small, portable magnetic resonance imaging

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: small, portable magnetic resonance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 5 · Supplemental
    Source: “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 statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.

    The rating behind it: Placing a portable scanner on somebody’s limb is physical work.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

  • Comforting patients during exams

    staying human

    This work happens in the physical world: patients during exams, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.

    importance 4 · Core
    Source: “Comfort patients during exams, or request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia.” (O*NET task statement)
    How this row was scored

    Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.

    Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.

    The rating behind it: Calming a frightened patient inside the scanner needs a person there with them.

    The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay
$95,480a year, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.bls-oews, 2025 · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)
How we know this

Source: bls-oews

Reference period: May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)

Rounding: Shown as published.

People doing this job
43,390in the US, 2025.bls-oews · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: backup copies of images in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: creating backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation and reviewing physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams. What it cannot do is be answerable: magnetic resonance imaging, mri) scanners need a named person the rules will accept, and software cannot be that person. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Start with what does not change: operating magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) scanners is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 16% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 0% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 84% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 24 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Creating backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.

This week: one thing

Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to backup copies of images, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.

What you end up holding
a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
How long it takes
ten minutes

If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether magnetic resonance imaging, mri) scanners are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no license needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near conducting screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.

Over the next 12 months

On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, use CareerOneStop - Find local training. It is free, it is the Labor Department's own service, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest US occupations to magnetic resonance imaging technologists (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was medical dosimetrists: only about 5% of its durable work is work you already do and there are far fewer of those jobs than of yours. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 22/100 here, with only 16% of the task list in the top band, and “conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 830 US occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

  • Medical Dosimetrists

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement…, and their equivalent is to fabricate patient immobilization devices. Across both published task lists that is about 5% of the durable work in that job.

    Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. And it is a narrow door: about 3,410 of those jobs against 43,390 of yours (OEWS May 2025), 8% as many seats.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images, and their equivalent is to operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images…. Across both published task lists that is about 5% of the durable work in that job.

    Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: $80,110 against your $95,480, 16.1% less (OEWS May 2025 (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

  • Cardiologists

    Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already intravenously inject contrast dyes, and their equivalent is to inject contrast media into patients' blood vessels. Across both published task lists that is about 5% of the durable work in that job.

    Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. The pay gap is the market pricing a barrier: $496,010 against your $95,480 is 5.20× (OEWS May 2025 (both)), and you would be crossing it holding about 5% of their durable work. A gap that size with an overlap that small is a wish, not a route.

    Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

  • The headline number you read somewhere

    The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 16% of its task weight, across 24 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.

  • The headlines about your trade disappearing

    They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like operating magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) scanners arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.

  • Retraining out of a job that is holding up

    On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.

  • The “obvious” next job everyone suggests

    I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United States figures

The United Kingdom splits this work across more than one official group, of which Medical radiographers is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United Kingdom page →partial match

In UK official statistics this job is counted as Medical radiographers. Pay and employment stay on this page’s own group; the task list and the scores do not cross over.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 16% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for magnetic resonance imaging technologists. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for magnetic resonance imaging technologists launches. Nothing else.

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No Space for magnetic resonance imaging technologists yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for magnetic resonance imaging technologists existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for magnetic resonance imaging technologists launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists?
Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 24 official task statements scored for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (United States, SOC 29-2035), 16% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 22 out of 100 (range 18–27, band: low). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists” can AI already do?
The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals” (88/100, very high); “Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients” (85/100, very high); “Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation” (75/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists” stay human?
About 84% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Comfort patients during exams, or request sedatives or other medication from physicians for patients with anxiety or claustrophobia” (0/100, minimal); “Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head” (0/100, minimal); “Operate optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, such as functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or mus…” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
What should someone working in “Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists” do about AI?
Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 16% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 84% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists calculated?
Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 24 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

Worth knowing about these figures

  • The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
  • Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
Task statements
onet-dbProcessing: catalogue-bridge → onet-im-rt-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights
onet-db (im-rt)
Scores
Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
Pay and employment
bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

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Using these figures?

Cite this

Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published . Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.