How Much Do Radiation Oncologists Make?

Salaries for radiation oncologists vary depending on workplace and experience.

Radiation oncologists work long hours in a highly specialized area of medicine. Depending on level of experience and workplace, salaries vary. The amount of money a radiation oncologist makes tends to go up with years of experience.

Average Salary

Radiation oncologists specialize in treating cancer with radiation. They analyze X-rays and consult with patients and physicians. According to the 2010 Physician Compensation Survey, average yearly salaries for radiation oncologists range from $242,900 to $518,991.

Expectation

A 2006 Allied Physicians survey demonstrates that the average salary rises over time. This survey puts the starting salary at $201,000, rising to $354,000 after three years and maxing out at $787,000.

Geography

The average annual salary of an established radiation oncologist working in the eastern U.S. is almost $100,000 less than that of a radiation oncologist in the western U.S., according to a Cejka Search survey.

References

• Careers in Medicine: Radiation Oncology
• Allied Physicians:U.S. Physician Salaries - Ongoing Salary Survey
• Schools in the USA: Radiation Oncologist
• Ceika Search: 2009 Physician Compensation Survey