Picture archiving and communication systems administrator

About this occupation

Picture archiving and communication systems administrators manage picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). They store images taken by various types of medical equipment, such as X-rays, in order to enable easy access to these images for medical. PACS administrators ensure the day-to-day management and maintenance of the system."

• Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
• Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
• Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
• Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
• Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
• Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Realistic, Conventional, Investigative

Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Speaking, Critical Thinking

US median pay: US$80,110 a year (2025), 230,490 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.4)
• BiologyO*NET: BiologyVery important (4.1)
• PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (4.0)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.6)
• ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryVery important (3.5)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.