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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Radiation Therapists

Median Salary
98,300
Job Outlook
+6%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private not for profit

47%

Private for profit

43%

State and local government

6%

Self-employed

3%

Federal Government

1%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 800 openings for radiation therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$48,660

10%

$98,300

Median

$156,310

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Associate's degree

    50%

  • Bachelor's degree

    37%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    8%

  • Some college

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Psychology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Education and Training
  • Medicine and Dentistry

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.