Cardiologists
29-1212.00
Updated 2025

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Diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases or conditions of the cardiovascular system. May further subspecialize in interventional procedures (e.g., balloon angioplasty and stent placement), echocardiography, or electrophysiology.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • Administer emergency cardiac care for life-threatening heart problems, such as cardiac arrest and heart attack.
  • Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, or disease prevention.
  • Answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being.
  • Calculate valve areas from blood flow velocity measurements.
  • Compare measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to standards to identify abnormalities, using the results of an echocardiogram.
  • Conduct electrocardiogram (EKG), phonocardiogram, echocardiogram, or other cardiovascular tests to record patients' cardiac activity, using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices, or laboratory instruments.
  • Conduct exercise electrocardiogram tests to monitor cardiovascular activity under stress.
  • Conduct research to develop or test medications, treatments, or procedures that prevent or control disease or injury.
  • Conduct tests of the pulmonary system, using a spirometer or other respiratory testing equipment.
  • Design and explain treatment plans, based on patient information such as medical history, reports, and examination results.
  • Diagnose cardiovascular conditions, using cardiac catheterization.
  • Diagnose medical conditions of patients, using records, reports, test results, or examination information.
  • Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
  • Inject contrast media into patients' blood vessels.
  • Monitor patient progress following cardiac surgery.
  • Monitor patients' conditions and progress, and reevaluate treatments, as necessary.
  • Observe ultrasound display screen, and listen to signals to record vascular information, such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, and cerebral circulation.
  • Obtain and record patient information, including patient identification, medical history, and examination results.
  • Operate diagnostic imaging equipment to produce contrast-enhanced radiographs of heart and cardiovascular system.
  • Order medical tests, such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and angiograms.
  • Perform minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as implanting pacemakers and defibrillators.
  • Perform vascular procedures, such as balloon angioplasty and stents.
  • Prescribe heart medication to treat or prevent heart problems.
  • Recommend surgeons or surgical procedures.
  • Supervise or train cardiology technologists or students.
  • Talk to other physicians about patients to create a treatment plan.
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Occupational Requirements

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Experience Requirements

Job Zone

Title
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education
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SVP Range
(8.0 and above)

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Worker Characteristics

Interests

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  • Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
  • Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
  • Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
  • Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2023)
$115.00+ hourly, $239,200+ annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2023)
16,400 employees
Projected growth (2023-2033)
Average (3% to 5%)
Projected job openings (2023-2033)
500
State trends
Top industries (2023)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data and 2023-2033 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2023-2033). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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