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.
Radiation Therapists
SOC: 29-1124 O*NET: 29-1124.00
Median Salary
$101,990
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.9%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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 does a Radiation Therapists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$77,860
10th percentile
Early Career
$86,520
25th percentile
Median
$101,990
50th percentile
Experienced
$120,360
75th percentile
Top Earners
$141,550
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$77,860
25th
$86,520
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$101,990
Mean: $110,820
75th
$120,360
90th
$141,550
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $63,690 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $86,520 and $120,360
- •Salary spread is 33.2% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 18,700 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:19,200
Top Industries
Hospitals48.4%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals44.7%
Ambulatory Health Care Services39.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.9%
Annual Openings:900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)19,200
Current
2034 (Projected)19,600
+1.9%
+400
Employment Change
+1.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Radiation Therapists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 47 locations
Texas
1,440 jobs$101,7400.86x
Florida
1,390 jobs$96,9401.16x
California
1,240 jobs$160,0400.56x
New York
1,140 jobs$122,5000.99x
North Carolina
940 jobs$95,6801.58x
Pennsylvania
800 jobs$98,4201.10x
Virginia
760 jobs$102,6801.54x
New Jersey
750 jobs$124,8201.46x
Michigan
620 jobs$86,7501.16x
Ohio
600 jobs$98,1100.89x
Missouri
540 jobs$88,1001.53x
Tennessee
510 jobs$77,6901.29x
Wisconsin
490 jobs$90,7601.39x
Washington
450 jobs$129,1001.05x
Arizona
420 jobs$102,2701.07x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Operations Monitoring
80%
#5
Social Perceptiveness
74%
#6
Speaking
66%
#7
Service Orientation
60%
#8
Monitoring
54%
#9
Coordination
46%
#10
Writing
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate3.7
74%
Speaking
intermediate3.3
66%
Service Orientation
intermediate3.0
60%
Monitoring
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Service Orientation
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Writing
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Bus Drivers, School90%
5 shared skills
Registered Nurses82%
5 shared skills
Audio and Video Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Freight Forwarders82%
5 shared skills
Counter and Rental Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Service Orientation
- →Monitoring
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Social Perceptiveness
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Radiation Therapists
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Eclipse IDE
🔥 Hot TecheClinicalWorks EHR software
🔥 Hot TechEpic Systems
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Eclipse IDE
eClinicalWorks EHR software
Epic Systems
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (11)Operations & Execution (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Planning & Development (4)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Radiation Therapists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Radiation Therapists professionals typically have a RSI Holland code and highly value relationships
RRealistic
SSocial
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Radiation Therapists
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.85
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.81
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.70
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.67
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.67
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.46
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.8
Concern for Others
4.8
Dependability
4.7
Cooperation
4.7
Integrity
4.7
Self-Control
4.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Stress Tolerance
4.3
Social Orientation
4.2
Initiative
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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