Radiation Therapists
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.
Also called: Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist), Dosimetrist, Radiation Oncology Registered Nurse (Radiation Oncology RN), Radiation Therapist (RT), Radiation Therapy Technician, Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT)
Median pay
$105,310
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$80,560 – $156,710
People employed
17,070
Holland code
RSI
Realistic · Social · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 3.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 4.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 6.Do you want the same hours every week?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Radiation Therapists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What radiation therapists do
- 01Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
- 02Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
- 03Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- 04Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
- 05Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
- 06Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from radiation therapists
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists92% · −4%
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers89% · −8%
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists85% · −9%
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians82% · −29%
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians81% · −24%
Change into radiation therapists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians93% · $74,310
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists92% · $101,370
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers89% · $96,590
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians89% · $80,110
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists85% · $95,480
Majors that lead here
- Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.