2018 ACR Commission on Human Resources Workforce Survey

Purpose: The ACR Commission on Human Resources conducts an annual workforce survey to determine the makeup of the radiology workforce and to identify potential plans for hiring new staff in an attempt to better understand our profession. Methods: The Practice of Radiology Environment Database group leaders were asked to complete an electronic survey regarding the makeup of their present workforce by subspecialty as well as the numbers and types of subspecialists hired in 2017 and the numbers and types of subspecialists expected to be hired in 2018 and 2019. They were also asked about midlevel practitioner employment. Results: Twenty-three percent of practice leaders (367) represente 10,179 radiologists, 30% of all practicing radiologists in the United States, responded to the survey. The number of radiology groups represented in this survey decreased from 1,811 in the 2017 survey to 1,588 groups in the 2018 survey. The current makeup of radiology workforce remains similar to 2016 and 2017. The workforce distribution by practice type and radiologists’ ages has been relatively stable since 2012. Practice leaders report they plan to hire between 1,393 to 1,808 radiologists in 2018 (similar to 2017 reported hires between 1,434 to 1,861) with the greatest number of hires to be in breast imaging, neuroradiology, and interventional radiology. The study represented 549 midlevel practitioners and 693 medical physicists. Conclusion: The 2018 ACR workforce survey continues to show a positive picture and outlook for those seeking jobs as practicing radiologists in 2018.