Radiation Therapist
Radiation Therapists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who play a critical role in cancer treatment by administering precise doses of radiation therapy to destroy tumor cells while protecting healthy tissue.
Getting Started
How to Become a Radiation Therapist
At 2 years to get started, this is typical for Associate Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Associate Degree (typically 2 years) at an estimated cost of $30k–$45k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for radiation therapist practice.
Begin Working
Radiation Therapist earn a median salary of $98k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Overview
What Does a Radiation Therapist Do?
Radiation Therapists are highly skilled healthcare professionals who play a critical role in cancer treatment by administering precise doses of radiation therapy to destroy tumor cells while protecting healthy tissue. Working as vital members of the oncology team alongside radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, and nurses, they operate sophisticated equipment like linear accelerators to deliver life-saving treatments to patients facing serious illnesses. Beyond the technical expertise required to operate complex machinery and utilize advanced technologies like Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), radiation therapists provide essential emotional support and education to patients and families navigating cancer treatment.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Radiation Therapist Make?
At $98k/yr, radiation therapist earn more than most Associate Degree-level careers, where the average is $71k/yr.
$98k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Radiation Therapist | $98k/yr |
| Dialysis Technician | $44k/yr |
| EKG/ECG Technician | $63k/yr |
| Ultrasound Technician | $85k/yr |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $85k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
Future-Proofing
Radiation Therapist Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 1.2% growth over the next decade — slower than the 7.5% average for Associate Degree-level careers.
10-Year Growth
1.2%
Little or no change
Current Employment
17,100
jobs nationwide
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate Exposure
Radiation Therapist roles have moderate exposure to AI automation — roughly average among Associate Degree-level careers. While some administrative tasks may be augmented by AI, core duties still require human expertise. Core responsibilities like state licensing requirements require human presence and judgment that AI cannot replicate.
Why It's Safe
- +Assisting and caring for others
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- +Performing general physical activities
- +Handling and moving objects
- +Developing and building teams
What Could Be Automated
- −Controlling machines and processes
- −Documenting/recording information
- −Performing for or working directly with the public
- −Working with computers
- −Getting information
Based on Pew Research + O*NET methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
Explore More
Similar Careers to Compare
Dialysis Technician
EKG/ECG Technician
Ultrasound Technician
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Phlebotomist
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Sources
Data Freshness
BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12