Image of career: Radiographic Image Analyst

Radiographic Image Analyst

Overview

Radiographic image analysts use X-ray scanners to spot hidden dangers in cargo and packages, keeping Singapore safe from smuggled weapons, drugs, and hazardous materials.

Description

  • Examine X-ray images of cargo containers and packages to spot anything suspicious or dangerous.
  • Identify hidden weapons, drugs, or illegal smuggling items.
  • Operate powerful scanning machines at airports, ports, and border checkpoints.
  • Work with inspection teams to locate hidden suspicious items.
  • Write detailed reports of incidents.

Entry requirements

  • You will need at least a Diploma in any subject. Security agencies like ICA often recruit directly.
  • You must have normal colour vision to read X-ray screens properly, and pass strict background checks and medical exams.

Salary

$4,300 – 5,500

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

These analysts use incredibly powerful scanners that can see straight through thick steel containers - much stronger than airport security X-rays.

What to expect

You may work in secure command centres processing thousands of scans daily. The job needs intense focus and quick reflexes to spot threats in cluttered images.

Soft
skills

Sharp Eye for Detail

Able to identify small suspicious items hidden amongst large items.

Quick Decision-Making

Able to make confident, fast decisions in situations.

Clear Communication

Able to communicate clearly and precisely with search teams and colleagues.

X-ray Image Reading

Ability to read X-rays to tell the difference between harmless items and dangerous materials.

Threat Spotting

Knowledge of the latest tactics criminals use to spot hidden items.

Scanner Operation

Ability to use large X-ray machines and adjust settings to see through different materials clearly.

Hard
skills

Prasad, Checkpoint Inspector
"The thing I love most is that I'm always at the forefront of new scanning technologies. Obviously you've got to have passion for the job."

Prasad, Checkpoint Inspector

Mothership

Frequently asked questions

Similar but much bigger scale. Airport scanners check small bags, but these industrial scanners are powerful enough to see through thick steel shipping containers and trucks.

Checkpoints have special Radiation Portal Monitors that instantly detect radiation. Analysts then use X-ray scans to pinpoint exactly where it is located.

Not at all. While the technology is medical-grade, security agencies provide intensive training on how to read screens and spot threats.

Advanced machine learning algorithms now automatically highlighting suspicious shapes or unusual materials on screen, making the job faster and reducing eye strain.

It can be, so analysts work in focused shifts with mandatory breaks and sometimes switch to physical inspections to rest their eyes and stay sharp.