Radiation Therapists Salary 2025: $105,310 Median, Career Path, and Outlook
Radiation therapists earn a median $105,310 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $80,560 at the 10th percentile to $156,710 at the 90th. Mean annual wages hit $114,990, or about $51 per hour. This guide covers the salary picture state by state, the path to entering the field, and what the next decade holds for employment.
How much Radiation Therapists earn
The national median salary for radiation therapists is $105,310. Half of workers earn more than that, half less. The bottom 10% make around $80,560, while the top 10% pull in $156,710 or more. The average (mean) wage is $114,990, working out to roughly $51 an hour. These figures are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS).
Experience, location, and facility type drive the range. Hospitals and outpatient cancer centers are the main employers. Those in larger metropolitan areas or specialized clinics often earn above the median.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your salary. The highest-paying states for radiation therapists are: California ($166,450), Oregon ($131,600), New York ($129,620), New Jersey ($129,460), and Washington ($125,880). On the other end, the lowest-paying states include Iowa ($81,610), Arkansas ($78,950), and West Virginia ($71,590).
Coastal states with higher costs of living and stronger healthcare sectors dominate the top. Rural and Midwestern states typically pay less, though some offer lower living expenses.
How to become a Radiation Therapist
To become a radiation therapist, you typically need an associate or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy. Many programs require prerequisite courses in anatomy, physics, and math. Clinical training is a core part of the curriculum.
After graduating, you must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam to earn certification. Most states require this certification or a state license to practice. Continuing education is needed to maintain credentials.
- Earn an associate or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
- Complete clinical rotations as part of your program — typically 1,200+ hours of hands-on experience.
- Pass the ARRT certification exam in radiation therapy.
- Obtain state licensure if required (most states do).
- Renew certification every two years with continuing education credits.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for radiation therapists will grow 1.9% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 900 job openings each year, mostly from retirements and workers leaving the field.
Currently, 17,070 people work as radiation therapists in the U.S. The slow growth reflects advances in cancer treatment that are more precise and require fewer sessions per patient. Still, an aging population will sustain demand for radiation therapy services. Competition for jobs may be stronger in metropolitan areas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying state for radiation therapists?
California pays the most, with an average annual wage of $166,450.
How much do entry-level radiation therapists make?
Entry-level workers at the 10th percentile earn about $80,560 per year.
Do radiation therapists need a license?
Yes, most states require licensure or certification. The ARRT certification is the standard credential, and many states accept it for licensing.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Radiation Therapists data.