Radiation Therapists
SOC code 29-1124 · O*NET-SOC 29-1124.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare
Radiation Therapists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$105,310
a year
Hourly
$50.63
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$114,990
$55.28 per hour
Middle 50%
$92,060 – $126,340
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$80,560 – $156,710
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
17,070
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $80,560
- $38.73/hr
- 25th percentile
- $92,060
- $44.26/hr
- Median percentile
- $105,310
- $50.63/hr
- 75th percentile
- $126,340
- $60.74/hr
- 90th percentile
- $156,710
- $75.34/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+2%
Growing about as fast as average
19,200
jobs in 2024
19,600
projected for 2034
About 400 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 radiation therapist do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to 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.
- 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.
- Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
How to become a radiation therapist
Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 50% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree50%
- Bachelor's Degree38%
- Post-Secondary Certificate9%
- Some College Courses3%
Common questions
How much does a radiation therapist earn?
The national median is $105,310 a year. The full range runs from $80,560 at the 10th percentile to $156,710 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 radiation therapist without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is radiation therapist in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% 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
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.5/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
- Writing3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Medicine and Dentistry4.0/5
- Physics3.8/5
- Mathematics3.6/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- Therapy and Counseling3.4/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Operations Monitoring, Coordination, Service Orientation.