How much does a radiation therapist make?

The median pay is $50.63 per hour — roughly $105,500 a year, with the real range running from about $38.73/hr (10th percentile) to $75.34/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a radiation therapist?

The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a radiation therapist actually do all day?

Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription. Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards. Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.

Health Care

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

What it pays
Radiation Therapists earn a median of $50.63/hr — about $105,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $38.73/hr; the top 10% earn $75.34/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Associate degree. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work is mostly indoors; you're around people constantly; time pressure is a real part of the job; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of radiation therapists are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, people-focused and analytical.

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Quick questions

How much does a radiation therapist make?: The median pay is $50.63 per hour — roughly $105,500 a year, with the real range running from about $38.73/hr (10th percentile) to $75.34/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a radiation therapist?: The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
What does a radiation therapist actually do all day?: Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription. Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards. Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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