What Is the Average Salary of a Radiation Therapist?

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By JustSew
eHow Contributing Writer

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Radiation therapists use specialized equipment to treat diseases such as cancer, and are also involved in clinical research. They work closely with doctors to determine and administer appropriate treatments, and must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The average salary for radiation therapists depends on their education and experience, as well as location.

Types

In general, radiation therapists with a four-year degree earn higher salaries than those with a two-year degree. According to radiation therapists surveyed by Payscale.com, those with a bachelor's of science degree earned median salaries of $60,600 per year. Those with an associate's of applied science earned about $56,500 per year, while those with an associates of science earned about $52,000 per year.

Time Frame

As in most professions, more experience equals higher salary. According to Payscale.com, radiation therapists with less than one year of experience earn a median salary of about $52,000 per year, while those with one to four years' experience earn about $54,000 per year. With five to nine years' experience, radiation therapists earn about $63,000 per year, and with 10 or more years' experience they earn about $81,000 per year.

Geography

Salaries for radiation therapists also vary according to which state they work in. Radiation therapists in Massachusetts earn some of the highest median salaries, at about $79,000 per year. In California, radiation therapists earn about $72,000 per year, and in Texas, median salaries are about $63,000 per year. In New York, radiation therapists earn about $59,000 per year, while those in Florida, Pennsylvania and Illinois generally earn between $55,000 and $58,000 per year.

Function

Radiation therapists who work in hospitals earn median salaries of about $55,000 to $60,000 per year. Those who work in health clinics earn about $65,000 per year, and radiation therapists who work in outpatient radiation clinics earn about $67,000 per year. Radiation therapists who provide palliative care earn about $57,000 per year, while those who provide radiation therapy earn about $60,000 per year. Radiation therapists who specialize in simulation earn the highest salaries, at about $75,000 per year.

Benefits

In addition to a base salary or hourly wage, radiation therapists may also receive compensation in the form of bonuses, paid vacation, insurance and other benefits. The radiation therapists surveyed by Payscale.com reported annual bonuses of $1,000 to $1,500 per year. Most radiation therapists also received about two to three weeks of vacation time, in addition to paid sick leave. Three-quarters of radiation therapists surveyed had a company 401(k) plan, and about the same number also received life or disability insurance. Nearly half of the radiation therapists had employers who paid for at least some of their education and training expenses.