Average Radiation Therapist Salary in United State (Updated 2024)

A radiation therapist works with other medical professionals to treat patients dealing with cancer and other serious diseases for radiation treatments. They work under the guidance of doctors who specialize in radiation therapy. 

However, to become a radiation therapist is an uphill task, it requires a range of skills, knowledge & perseverance. Radiation therapists receive good compensation for their job, however, their pay range varies from state to state due to various factors.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore radiation therapist salary along with their duties and skills required.

Average Radiation Therapist Salary in the United States

The average annual radiation therapist salary in the United States is $104,420. The hourly Salary of a Radiation Therapist is $50.20. While the range of the salary of a radiation therapist goes up to $136,910, it can go down to $72,280. However, most radiation therapists earn between $85,000 and $105,400.

Apart from experience, several other factors that affect the salary of a radiation therapist are education and certifications, location, work setting, type of employer, schedule, market trends, and demand and supply. For instance, an experienced radiation therapist earns more than a newcomer. Similarly, therapeutic radiographers working in metropolitan areas receive higher compensation than those working in smaller towns. This is due to the higher standard of living in big cities.

Radiation Therapist Salary Based on Experience

Also Read:- BSc Nursing Salary in India || SSC Stenographer Salary || Dermatologist Salary In United States

Radiation Therapist- An Overview

A radiation therapist, also known as a therapeutic radiographer, is a professional who works with a healthcare team to treat patients with radiation treatment. They work with radiation Oncologists, Oncology nurses, and Dosimetrists. These nurses are trained in taking care of cancer patients. They use X-rays to try and destroy cancerous cells in the body. 

Radiation therapy is used to treat cancer by killing or removing cancerous cells or tumors from the body. 

Also Read:- X-Ray Tech Salary in the USA || NSG Commando Salary || IPS Officer Salary

Primary Duties of a Radiation Therapist

A radiation therapist undertakes a range of duties to provide care to patients. Their day-to-day primary duties include: 

1. A radiation therapist meets with patients, evaluates their illnesses, and prescribes treatments. They describe the treatments, procedures, benefits, and side effects to the patients. Also, they answer queries and clear their doubt. 
2. Further, their day-to-day duties include practicing safety. Since the process of radiation therapy is highly dangerous, radiation therapists need to protect themselves and their patients from collateral radiation damage.
3. Another key responsibility of a therapeutic radiographer is to destroy cancerous cells. They reduce or kill cancer cells present in the patient’s body with the help of machines, such as linear accelerators. Moreover, they check regularly whether the machines require maintenance or replacement.
4. Therapeutic radiographers take X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to evaluate patients and identify the problem areas.
5. Apart from testing and killing cancer cells, they take long-term aftercare of the patients. They monitor patients immediately after treatment to ensure that the patient has no side effects.
6. Besides, radiation therapists keep records of finances and treatments that patients receive and update their medical records as well. This is also important for follow-up and future needs. 

10 Best Paying Radiation Therapist Salary States

These are the top states that pay the best radiation therapist salary.

Also Read:-Cardiologist Salary in the United States | Nutritionist Salary In United States |Sterile Processing Technician Salary

7 Best Paying Radiation Therapist Salary Cities

The salary of a radiation therapist is higher in these cities.

 Radiation Therapist: A Skill Guide

Radiation therapists require a range of skill sets & qualities to work with a team of medical professionals. Some of the important skills are:

1. Communication: Radiation therapists have to communicate with patients, their families, and team members. Therefore, they must have good communication skills to convey correct information and understand the other patient’s doubts or queries. 
2. Empathy: The process of radiation therapy is cumbersome. It is highly painful and uncomfortable. Radiation therapists must be empathetic to boost the morale of the patients’ families, and their attendants. 
3. Protocol awareness: Following the protocols and instructions is necessary. Staying updated and aware of the procedures is required to maintain the safety and health of patients. For instance, appropriate equipment handling, correct radiation dosages, prescription of medicines, etc.
4. Computer skills: Various medical equipment, such as linear accelerators and diagnostic machines like CT scanners require computers and interfaces to work. Thus, computer knowledge is crucial. 
5. Attention to detail: Missing even a minute detail can risk the life of a patient. A radiation therapist must pay attention to details. This would allow them to diagnose conditions, identify cancerous areas, and prescribe appropriate treatment. 
6. Physical stamina: The job of a therapeutic radiographer can be tiring. They should be physically stronger as they stay primarily on their feet, moving and transporting equipment and patients. Hence, physical fitness is important. 

Also Read:- Indian Navy Marcos Commando Salary || CRNA Salary || President Salary in India

Career Opportunities| Job Outlook for Radiation Therapists

According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for radiation therapists will continue to grow at an average pace. Due to a large aging population, advancements in healthcare facilities and radiation treatments have become substantial.

Unlike other various professions, the required minimum education for a radiation therapist job is an associate’s degree. Usually, an associate’s degree takes two years to complete, thus interested candidates save their time and money. They can join a medical facility immediately after completing certification and fulfilling all requirements. 

Moreover, the demand for radiation therapists is high in the market, allowing individuals to ask for higher salaries for their expertise.

Also Read:- CRPF Constable Salary || SSC GD Salary || RRB Group D Salary || CRNA Salary

FAQs About Radiation Therapist Salary

1) What is the radiation therapist salary in the United States?

The average annual radiation therapist salary in the United States is $104,420.

2) What are the factors affecting the radiation therapist salary?

The median pay per year for radiation therapists is $82,790. The factors that affect the salary of a radiation therapist are experience, education, and certifications, location, work setting, type of employer, schedule, market trends,  demand, and supply. 

3) What skills are required to be a radiation therapist?

The skills required in a radiation therapist are communication, empathy, computer skills, attention to detail, protocol awareness, and physical fitness.