Radiologic Technologist Job Outlook

Employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 12%, or by about 25,000 positions, from 2016 to 2026, faster than the forecasted 7% average growth for all occupations. Employment of MRI technologists is projected to grow 14%, or by about 5,000 positions, during the 10-year period to 2026, also faster than the forecasted 7% average growth for all occupations.

As the population grows older, there will be an increase in medical conditions, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, which require imaging as a tool for making diagnoses. Radiologic and MRI technologists will be needed to take the images. In addition, the number of individuals who have access to health insurance is expected to continue to increase because of federal health insurance reform. However, employment growth of radiologic and MRI technologists may be tempered, as many medical facilities and third-party payers encourage the use of less-costly, noninvasive imaging technologies, such as ultrasound

Although hospitals will remain the main employer of radiologic technologists, a number of new jobs will be in physician's offices and in imaging centers. Employment in these healthcare settings is expected to increase because of the shift toward outpatient care whenever possible. Outpatient care is encouraged by third-party payers as a cost-saving measure and is made possible by technological advances, such as less expensive equipment, which allow for more procedures to be done outside of hospitals

Radiologic technologists with multiple certifications will have the best job prospects.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook