Medical imaging clinicians play a critical role in our nation’s healthcare system, leveraging their unique skills to operate imaging technology and identify disease and illness in patients. But there are many different types of medical imaging specialties and each is growing at their own unique pace. In this blog, we’re taking a look at the radiology job market, specifically medical imaging job outlooks by specialty, so that you can get a better idea of clinician demand across the United States in 2025 and beyond.Â
CT & X-Ray Technologist Job Outlook
CT and X-Ray technologists each use different types of medical imaging technology in their daily work, but all they work toward spotting disease in patients. The demand for these crucial allied health clinicians is growing in the U.S., with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting that overall employment of radiologic technologists is slated to grow 6% between 2023 to 2033, with the overall employment of radiologic technologists growing by 13,100 in that time.Â
In total, the BLS estimates that the employment of radiologic technologists will grow from 227,800 in 2023 to 241,000 in 2033.Â
MRI Technologist Job Outlook
When it comes to MRI technologists in particular, the BLS projects that the overall employment for these allied health clinicians will grow 8% between 2023 and 2033, which is considerably faster average growth than other occupations. In fact, the BLS predicts that employment of these technologists will grow from 43,400 in 2023 to 47,000 in 2033.Â
Ultrasound Technologist Job Outlook
Ultrasound technologists, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use soundwave technology to form images of the inside of the body to detect injury or check on the health of infants in the womb.Â
According to the BLS, overall employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow by 15% between 2023 and 2033, from 84,900 in the field to nearly 98,000. This is significantly higher than the average growth in employment for all occupations, which stands at 4%.
Radiation Therapist Job Outlook
According to the BLS, overall employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow 3% between 2023 and 2033, which is slower than most occupations. In fact, the BLS projects about 800 openings for radiation therapists each year on average through 2033.Â
In total, the BLS projects that total employment of radiation therapists will grow by 500 between 2023 and 2033, from 17,200 radiation therapists to 17,700.Â
Cath Lab Technologist Job Outlook
Cath lab technologists run tests on patient cardiovascular health—according to the BLS, overall employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow 4% between 2022 and 2023.Â
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Outlook
Nuclear medicine technologists have the slowest job outlook out of the specialties on this list, with the BLS projecting that overall employment of these critical allied health clinicians will actually decline by 1% between 2023 and 2033. However, the BLS does say that around an average of 800 openings for nuclear medicine technologists is projected each year through 2032.Â
Become a Travel Medical Imaging Clinician with BHS
Are you a medical imaging professional who’s looking to take advantage of growth in your specialty? When you partner with us and become a travel allied health clinician, we’ll connect you with assignments in short-staffed healthcare facilities across the country that will meet your personal needs and professional goals. Check out our job board and apply to an open position today to get started!