Medical Dosimetrists
Medical dosimetrists calculate doses of radiation and design and oversee treatment plans for patients with cancer and other serious diseases.
Is medical dosimetrists a good career?
It scores 31/100 and ranks #133 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($147,470 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What medical dosimetrists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. medical dosimetrists earn between $132,080 and $167,030 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live medical dosimetrists jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Medical dosimetrists typically need a bachelor’s degree in medical dosimetry or a related field, such as biology or physical science. Prospective dosimetrists whose degree is not in medical dosimetry may complete a certificate or master’s degree program in medical dosimetry.
Admission to medical dosimetry programs is often competitive. Applicants may be required to be a registered radiation therapist or have a bachelor’s degree that includes coursework in specific subjects, such as biology, medical terminology, and calculus.
Medical dosimetry programs include courses such as physics, anatomy, and radiology. Programs also include supervised clinical experience in which students work onsite with practicing dosimetrists.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Employers usually prefer to hire medical dosimetrists who have earned the Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD) credential. Certification requires that candidates have a bachelor's degree, graduate from an accredited medical dosimetry program, and pass an exam. Maintaining certification requires completion of a specified number of hours of continuing education.
Important qualities
Communication skills. To ensure proper treatment, medical dosimetrists must convey important information about a patient’s radiation dosage both orally and in writing.
Critical-thinking skills. Medical dosimetrists analyze a patient's needs and health-related data, along with other factors, to determine treatment plans.
Detail oriented. Medical dosimetrists must be precise when calculating the amount and location of radiation that a patient will receive.
Interpersonal skills. Medical dosimetrists collaborate with other members of the radiation oncology team throughout a patient’s treatment.
Math skills. Medical dosimetrists need a strong background in mathematics in order to calculate and verify the proper doses of radiation.
Technical skills. Medical dosimetrists use computers and must be comfortable working with a variety of specialized medical equipment.
Related occupations
How much do medical dosimetrists make?
The national median wage is $147,470 a year, with the middle half earning between $132,080 and $167,030 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is medical dosimetrists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 31 of 100 and ranks #133 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a medical dosimetrist?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do medical dosimetrists earn the most?
Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($189,280). Local pay for every state and metro is below.