How much does a radiation therapist make?
a year · about $51 an hour
A typical radiation therapist in the United States makes $105,310 a year, about $51 an hour, about 2.1× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They check the treatment plan, position each patient carefully, and use a large machine to aim radiation at the tumor. From a separate room, they watch the patient, answer questions, and record the treatment.
Did you know? For head or neck treatment, therapists may mold a warm mesh mask to a patient's face. It hardens to hold the head still, with holes for breathing and seeing.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $80,560 and $156,710How do you become one?
In the U.S., complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and an ARRT-approved radiation therapy program, including clinical training. Then meet ARRT’s education, ethics, and exam requirements, pass its test, and get any license your state requires.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and helping and teaching
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience and extra qualifications can affect pay. Pay also varies by location and employer type, such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, or outpatient centers.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($166,450), lowest in Wisconsin ($93,600).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $80,560 | $105,310 | $156,710 | about 17,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $166,450 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $129,620 | about 820 |
| New Jersey | $129,460 | about 600 |
| Washington | $125,880 | about 540 |
| Texas | $105,770 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiation-therapists.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1124.00
- www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/credential-options/radiation-therapy
- www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/initial-requirements/primary-requiremen
- qa-together.stjude.org/en-us/treatment-tests-procedures/treatments/radiation-the
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY