Medical Dosimetrist Salary Guide 2025: $147,470 Median, Outlook, and How to Join

How much Medical Dosimetrists earn

The national median for medical dosimetrists is $147,470, and the mean wage hits $148,500. Hourly, that works out to about $71. Entry-level dosimetrists or those in lower-paying regions start around $111,670, while top earners—often in high-cost areas or with extensive experience—can pull in over $185,450.

Pay varies significantly by state and setting. The highest-paying states are Washington ($189,280), Oregon ($183,990), New Jersey ($170,650), New York ($166,540), and Illinois ($163,860). On the lower end, Missouri ($129,610), Mississippi ($115,490), and West Virginia ($45,350) fall well below the national median. The West Virginia figure likely reflects a small sample size or part-time roles.

• Top-paying urban areas: Seattle, Portland, New York City, Chicago
• Hospitals and outpatient care centers typically pay more than physician offices
• Certification (CMD) usually boosts earning potential

Pay by state

Washington leads all states at $189,280, followed by Oregon at $183,990 and New Jersey at $170,650. New York ($166,540) and Illinois ($163,860) round out the top five. These states tend to have higher costs of living and stronger union presence in healthcare.

At the other end, Missouri averages $129,610, Mississippi $115,490, and West Virginia just $45,350. The West Virginia figure is an outlier—probably due to very few dosimetrists in the BLS sample—and shouldn't be taken as typical pay for the role there. Most dosimetrists can expect salaries closer to the $130,000–$150,000 range in the Midwest and South.

How to become a Medical Dosimetrist

The standard path takes about 4–5 years after high school. You'll need a bachelor's degree (often in physics, biology, or radiation science) followed by a 12-to-24-month CAAHEP-accredited graduate certificate or master's program in medical dosimetry. Some programs admit students directly from a bachelor's, while others require prior healthcare experience (e.g., radiation therapy).

After completing an accredited program, you must pass the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) exam to earn the Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD) credential. Most employers require certification. Continuing education credits are needed to maintain the CMD. Licensing is separate and varies by state; some states require a state license in addition to certification.

• Earn a bachelor’s degree (preferably in a science field).
• Complete a CAAHEP-accredited medical dosimetry program (certificate or master’s).
• Pass the MDCB certification exam to become a CMD.
• Check state licensing requirements where you plan to work.
• Expect to start in an entry-level dosimetry role or transition from radiation therapy.

Job outlook

The BLS projects employment for medical dosimetrists will grow 3.5% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 200 job openings per year over the decade, mostly due to retirements and turnover. The field is small—only 3,410 positions in 2024—so competition for openings can be moderate, especially in desirable regions.

Growth is driven by an aging population needing cancer treatment and advances in radiation therapy techniques (like IMRT and proton therapy) that require skilled dosimetrists. Geographic mobility helps: moving to a higher-paying state like Washington or Oregon can dramatically boost earnings.

Frequently asked questions