Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists deliver cancer treatment to patients using radiation equipment, following treatment plans created by radiation oncologists. They work in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and specialized medical facilities, positioning patients and operating machines that target tumors with precise doses of radiation while monitoring patients for safety and side effects.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against radiation therapists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Radiation therapists spend their days preparing patients for treatment, positioning them using immobilization devices, and operating linear accelerators or other radiation equipment. They review patient charts, communicate with physicians and nurses about treatment progress, maintain detailed records, and ensure equipment functions properly. Most work involves direct patient care in treatment rooms, with administrative time spent on documentation and preparation between appointments.
Who this work suits
Holland code RSI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy working directly with people and find meaning in helping them through medical treatment. You're comfortable with technical equipment and precise procedures, preferring hands-on realistic work over abstract tasks. You communicate well with patients and medical teams, and you're motivated by making a concrete difference in people's health outcomes.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Radiation Therapist · KAISER · Roseville, Placer County · $122,524–$122,524
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $131,570 | $166,450 | $182,140 | 1,720 |
| Oregon | $113,890 | $131,600 | $142,620 | 160 |
| New York | $108,090 | $129,620 | $141,580 | 820 |
| New Jersey | $119,960 | $129,460 | $137,960 | 600 |
| Washington | $108,430 | $125,880 | $139,190 | 540 |
| Hawaii | $110,610 | $125,520 | $125,530 | — |
| Illinois | $107,380 | $124,600 | $124,850 | — |
| Connecticut | $96,510 | $116,170 | $129,600 | 110 |
| Kansas | $97,510 | $108,830 | $121,740 | 240 |
| Arizona | $101,160 | $108,760 | $118,410 | 410 |
| Colorado | $101,820 | $108,020 | $121,520 | 320 |
| Utah | $100,690 | $107,660 | $128,620 | 70 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP) — American Society for Nondestructive Testing
- Registered Technologist - Radiation Therapy (RTT) — American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
- Primary Certification in Radiation Oncology — American Osteopathic Board of Radiology
- Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel - X-Ray (IRRSP) — American Society for Nondestructive Testing
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against radiation therapists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1124.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.