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Radiation therapist: pay, job outlook and how to become one
- $80,560lowest 10% earn less
- $92,06025th percentile
- $105,310median
- $126,34075th percentile
- $156,710top 10% earn more
The median radiation therapist earned $105,310 a year in May 2025, about double the $50,980 median for all occupations[1][2]. Jobs are projected to grow a little more slowly than the average for all occupations[3][4].
How much do radiation therapists make?
In May 2025, the median radiation therapist wage was $105,310 a year, or $50.63 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. The average (mean) wage was $114,990 a year, or $55.28 an hour[8].
The range is wide. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $80,560 a year, and the lowest-paid 25% earned less than $92,060[5]. At the top, the highest-paid 25% earned more than $126,340, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $156,710[5]. In hourly terms, those four lines were $38.73, $44.26, $60.74 and $75.34[9]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[10].
For comparison, the median for all occupations was $50,980[2]. These figures cover wage and salary workers only. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[11]. About 17,070 people held these jobs in May 2025[12].
Pay by state and city
California had the highest median wage at $166,450, followed by Oregon at $131,600, New York at $129,620 and New Jersey at $129,460[13]. West Virginia was at the bottom of the published list at $71,590[13].
California also had the most jobs, with 1,720[14]. Florida (1,280), Texas (1,000), New York (820) and North Carolina (710) came next[14].
Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA had the highest median at $206,350[15]. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($205,670) and Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA ($182,240) followed[15]. The New York-Newark-Jersey City area had the most jobs, at 960[16].
Show median pay in 45 states and DC
| State | Median per year | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| California[13] | $166,450 | 1,720 |
| Oregon | $131,600 | 160 |
| New York | $129,620 | 820 |
| New Jersey | $129,460 | 600 |
| Washington | $125,880 | 540 |
| Hawaii | $125,520 | n/a |
| Illinois | $124,600 | n/a |
| Connecticut | $116,170 | 110 |
| Kansas | $108,830 | 240 |
| Arizona | $108,760 | 410 |
| Colorado | $108,020 | 320 |
| Utah | $107,660 | 70 |
| Maryland | $107,120 | 250 |
| Massachusetts | $106,300 | 330 |
| New Hampshire | $106,270 | 60 |
| Texas | $105,770 | 1,000 |
| Montana | $105,400 | 50 |
| Virginia | $103,310 | 500 |
| Maine | $101,980 | 140 |
| Vermont | $101,060 | 50 |
| Florida | $100,920 | 1,280 |
| South Carolina | $100,790 | 200 |
| Pennsylvania | $100,540 | 560 |
| District of Columbia | $100,250 | 70 |
| New Mexico | $100,010 | 100 |
| Missouri | $99,890 | 420 |
| Idaho | $99,660 | 100 |
| North Carolina | $99,250 | 710 |
| Nebraska | $98,670 | 120 |
| Ohio | $98,650 | 690 |
| Oklahoma | $98,390 | 120 |
| Minnesota | $98,000 | 210 |
| Kentucky | $97,760 | 170 |
| South Dakota | $97,470 | n/a |
| Indiana | $96,690 | 360 |
| Michigan | $95,890 | 450 |
| Louisiana | $94,710 | 230 |
| Georgia | $94,460 | 470 |
| Wisconsin | $93,600 | 550 |
| Nevada | $92,990 | 110 |
| Mississippi | $88,100 | 70 |
| Alabama | $87,330 | 120 |
| Tennessee | $83,520 | 350 |
| Iowa | $81,610 | 120 |
| Arkansas | $78,950 | 80 |
| West Virginia | $71,590 | 120 |
How to become a radiation therapist
BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical education for entry, with no related work experience and no on-the-job training[7]. The Occupational Outlook Handbook says a two-year or four-year degree in radiation therapy is the usual route in[17].
- First: complete a degree program. Programs cover treatment procedures and the science behind them, often with clinical experience and courses such as anatomy, physiology, physics and algebra[18]. Some positions may be open to people who finish a certificate program[19].
- Next: meet your state's rules. In most states, therapists must be licensed or certified. Rules differ by state and may include graduating from an accredited program and passing an exam[20].
- Then: certification, if your state or employer asks for it. It typically requires a degree from an approved program, following ethical standards and passing an exam on topics such as radiation protection, treatment planning and patient care[21].
- Also: many jobs ask for CPR or basic life support certification[22].
In an O*NET survey of 35 workers, 50% said an associate's degree is required[23]. Another 38% said a bachelor's degree is required, and 9% named a post-secondary certificate[23]. With more education and certification, a therapist may become a medical dosimetrist[24].
What radiation therapists do
A radiation therapist gives radiation treatment as prescribed by a radiation oncologist[25]. Typical tasks include:
- Positioning patients accurately for treatment[26].
- Giving the prescribed dose to the right part of the body with treatment equipment[26].
- Following radiation protection rules for the patient, themselves and others[26].
- Reviewing the prescription, diagnosis and patient chart[26].
- Entering data and setting controls on the equipment, and checking that it works properly[26].
- Watching and reassuring patients, and reporting unusual reactions to the physician[26].
- Answering questions from patients and families[26].
- Keeping records of doses, equipment settings and patient reactions[26].
The work involves close contact with patients. The Handbook points to compassion, attention to detail, teamwork with the oncology team and comfort with technical equipment[27][28][29][30].
Where they work
Hospitals were the largest employer in 2025, at 60% of jobs[31]. The job involves standing for long periods, and therapists may need to lift or turn patients[32]. Because they work with radiation, they follow safety procedures. They stay in a separate room while giving treatment and wear a badge that tracks their exposure[33].
Most radiation therapists work full time. Treatments are usually planned ahead, so schedules tend to be regular[34].
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of radiation therapists to grow 2.8% from 2025 to 2035, from about 17,400 to 17,900 jobs[3]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same years[4].
BLS projects about 700 openings a year on average[6]. These include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[6]. Each year, 2% of workers leave the labor force and 1.7% move to a different occupation[35].
One factor holds growth back. Newer treatment techniques deliver higher doses over fewer sessions, which lets each therapist treat more patients[36].
Is it a good fit?
The pay is well above the all-occupations median, and the typical entry education is an associate's degree[1][2][7]. Most states require a license or certification, so the path involves more than a degree[20]. Growth is slow, at 2.8% compared with 3.5% for all occupations, but about 700 openings a year are projected[3][4][6]. The work is physical and involves close contact with patients who have serious illness, and the Handbook names compassion as an important quality[27][32]. The facts here do not cover program cost or length, so check those with schools and your state.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a radiation therapist make an hour?
- The median was $50.63 an hour in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $38.73 and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $75.34[1][9].
- What degree do you need to be a radiation therapist?
- BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry education, and the Handbook says a two-year or four-year degree in radiation therapy is the usual route in[7][17].
- Do radiation therapists need a license?
- In most states they must be licensed or certified. Requirements vary by state[20].
- Is radiation therapist a growing job?
- BLS projects 2.8% growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, and about 700 openings a year[3][4][6].
- What is the highest paying state for radiation therapists?
- California, with a median of $166,450 in May 2025[13].
Facts and sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Radiation Therapists in the US was $105,310 per year and $50.63 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: employment of Radiation Therapists is projected to grow 2.8% from 2025 to 2035, from about 17,400 to 17,900 jobs (a change of +500). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Radiation Therapists: 10th percentile $80,560, 25th percentile $92,060, 75th percentile $126,340, 90th percentile $156,710. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: about 700 openings for Radiation Therapists are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Radiation Therapists: education needed for entry: Associate's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Radiation Therapists was $114,990 per year and $55.28 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Radiation Therapists: 10th percentile $38.73, 25th percentile $44.26, 75th percentile $60.74, 90th percentile $75.34. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 17,070 people were employed as Radiation Therapists in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage for Radiation Therapists in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Radiation Therapists jobs: California 1,720; Florida 1,280; Texas 1,000; New York 820; North Carolina 710. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Radiation Therapists (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $206,350; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $205,670; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $182,240; San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $171,500; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $169,150; New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $135,550; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $133,410; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $128,650. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Radiation Therapists jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 960 (median $135,550); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 480 (median $169,150); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 390 (median $119,960); Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC 360 (median $99,250); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 350 (median $105,770); Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ 350 (median $108,770). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET 29-1124.00 survey of workers (35 respondents), education level they say is required: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 50%, Bachelor's Degree 38%, Post-Secondary Certificate 9% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET description of Radiation Therapists. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET task list for Radiation Therapists. O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of radiation therapists in 2025: Hospitals; state, local, and private 60%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Radiation Therapists: 2% of workers leave the labor force each year and 1.7% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Radiation Therapists: Productivity change - share decreases as increased adoption of radiotherapy techniques that deliver higher doses of radiation over fewer fractions allows radiation therapists to treat a greater number of patients. BLS Employment Projections
- Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
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. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.