Career profile Β· live from the Careermash careers engine
Research / problem-solving

Radiologist

Radiologists are vital players in the healthcare system, specialising in diagnosing and treating diseases through medical imaging techniques. In the US, this career is booming, with a high demand for skilled professionals who can interpret complex imaging results. As a radiologist, you will work closely with other healthcare providers to ensure patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. The field is constantly evolving with advancements in technology, making it an exciting time to enter this profession.
Degree usually required
AI impact: medium££££ payUni route
0
AI impact
how much AI is reshaping it
Ottalie Β· your guide
Curious about being a radiologist? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.

What you'd actually do

As a radiologist in the US, your primary responsibility is to interpret medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to diagnose various conditions. You will collaborate with other medical professionals to develop treatment plans based on your findings. The role requires a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of anatomy and pathology. Additionally, you may perform interventional procedures, using imaging guidance to treat certain conditions directly.
1Review and interpret medical images to diagnose conditions.
2Consult with referring physicians to discuss findings and treatment options.
3Perform interventional radiology procedures as needed.

Career progression & pay

01
Getting in

Junior Radiologist

$60,000
MD or DO degree
As a junior radiologist, you will assist in interpreting images under the supervision of senior radiologists and begin to build your expertise.
02
Building up

Mid-Level Radiologist

$150,000
Board certification and several years of experience
In this role, you will independently interpret images and may start specialising in a particular area of radiology.
03
At the top

Senior Radiologist

$300,000
Extensive experience and subspecialty fellowship
As a senior radiologist, you will lead teams, mentor junior staff, and may take on administrative roles.

Degrees that lead here via Medicine and Dentistry

Apprenticeships that lead here

No apprenticeship standard maps directly yet - the university or college route is the main way in.

Organisations in this field

NHS
The National Health Service is the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK, providing a wide range of medical services.
Barts Health NHS Trust
One of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, offering a variety of healthcare services.
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
A leading NHS trust providing high-quality healthcare services in London.

How to get in - your routes

Careermash Β· your kind of work, the careers in it, and every route in - all in one place.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

Β© 2026 Careermash. A concept for secondary schools.