Medical Dosimetrists

SOC code 29-2036 · O*NET-SOC 29-2036.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Healthcare

Medical Dosimetrists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$147,470

a year

Hourly

$70.90

per hour

10th$111,670Median$147,47090th$185,450

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$148,500

$71.40 per hour

Middle 50%

$132,080 – $167,030

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$111,670 – $185,450

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

3,410

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $111,670; $53.69/hr
25th percentile: $132,080; $63.50/hr
Median percentile: $147,470; $70.90/hr
75th percentile: $167,030; $80.31/hr
90th percentile: $185,450; $89.16/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+3%

Growing about as fast as average

4,800

jobs in 2024

4,900

projected for 2034

About 100 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a medical dosimetrist do?

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Design the arrangement of radiation fields to reduce exposure to critical patient structures, such as organs, using computers, manuals, and guides.
Plan the use of beam modifying devices, such as compensators, shields, and wedge filters, to ensure safe and effective delivery of radiation treatment.
Identify and outline bodily structures, using imaging procedures, such as x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography.
Calculate the delivery of radiation treatment, such as the amount or extent of radiation per session, based on the prescribed course of radiation therapy.
Calculate, or verify calculations of, prescribed radiation doses.
Develop radiation treatment plans in consultation with members of the radiation oncology team.
Supervise or perform simulations for tumor localizations, using imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or positron emission tomography scans.
Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for treatment delivery, using image-guided radiation therapy.

How to become a medical dosimetrist

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 40% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree40%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate35%
Master's Degree15%
Post-Secondary Certificate5%

Common questions

How much does a medical dosimetrist earn?

The national median is $147,470 a year. The full range runs from $111,670 at the 10th percentile to $185,450 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a medical dosimetrist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is medical dosimetrist in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 3% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking4.1/5
Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking3.9/5
Writing3.8/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Monitoring3.5/5

Knowledge areas

Mathematics4.2/5
Physics4.2/5
Computers and Electronics4.0/5
Biology3.7/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.6/5
English Language3.6/5
Design3.5/5
Education and Training3.4/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.