Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.
Is radiation therapists a good career?
It scores 21/100 and ranks #282 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 ($105,310 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+1.9%)
What radiation therapists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. radiation therapists earn between $92,060 and $126,340 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live radiation therapists jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
Employers usually prefer to hire applicants who have an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in a healthcare and related field, such as radiation therapy, or in science technologies or biology. However, candidates may qualify for some positions by completing a certificate program.
Radiation therapy programs include courses in radiation therapy procedures and the scientific theories behind them. These programs often include experience in a clinical setting and courses such as human anatomy and physiology, physics, and algebra.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
In most states, radiation therapists must be licensed or certified. Requirements vary by state but may include graduating from an accredited radiation therapy program and passing an exam or earning certification from a professional organization.
To become certified, an applicant typically must earn an associate’s or higher degree from an approved radiation therapy program, adhere to ethical standards, and pass the certification exam. The exam covers topics such as radiation protection, treatment planning, and patient care and education.
Many jobs also require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS) certification.
Advancement
With additional education and certification, therapists may become medical dosimetrists. Dosimetrists are responsible for calculating the correct dose of radiation that is used in the treatment of cancer patients.
Important qualities
Compassion. Radiation therapists work with patients who are suffering from cancer or another serious disease. They must display empathy while helping patients through the experience.
Detail oriented. Radiation therapists must follow precise instructions and input exact measurements to make sure the patient is exposed to the correct amount of radiation.
Interpersonal skills. Radiation therapists work closely with patients over multiple weeks and must be able to explain the treatment. Radiation therapists also must work well with other members of the oncology team to effectively coordinate care.
Technical skills. Radiation therapists work with computers and large pieces of technological equipment, so they must be comfortable operating those devices.
Related occupations
How much do radiation therapists make?
The national median wage is $105,310 a year, with the middle half earning between $92,060 and $126,340 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is radiation therapists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 21 of 100 and ranks #282 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +1.9% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a radiation therapist?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do radiation therapists earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($166,450). Local pay for every state and metro is below.