The radiation therapist salary USA professionals earn in 2026 sits at a median of $101,990 per year ($49.03 an hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That makes it one of the highest-paid healthcare careers you can reach with a two-year degree — entry-level pay starts near $77,860, while the top 10% clear $141,550. For a role you can train for in an associate program, the earning power is hard to beat.
Radiation therapist salary USA: the real BLS numbers
Half of all radiation therapists in the United States earn more than $101,990 and half earn less. Even the lowest-paid 10% make around $77,860 — well above the US median wage for all jobs — while the best-paid 10% pass $141,550. Because this is a median rather than an average, it gives an honest midpoint that isn’t inflated by a handful of top earners. Few two-year healthcare paths pay this well across the board.
Pay by state: where radiation therapists earn the most
Location creates a swing of more than $55,000 between the top and bottom states. New York, California and Maine lead, with several metros paying $120,000–$130,000, while Southern states like Texas, Georgia and Louisiana sit closer to $72,000–$78,000. The Philadelphia metro alone reported a median near $113,100. The table below breaks down median pay across key states.
| State | Median annual salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| New York | ~$130,000 |
| California | ~$125,000 |
| Maine | ~$120,000 |
| Hawaii | ~$118,000 |
| Washington | ~$115,000 |
| New Jersey | ~$112,000 |
| Massachusetts | ~$110,000 |
| Texas | ~$78,000 |
| Georgia | ~$75,000 |
| Louisiana | ~$72,000 |
| United States (national median) | $101,990 |
The national median is a firm BLS figure. State values marked with ~ are estimates derived from BLS and ZipRecruiter state ranges and may vary by metro area and employer.
Why radiation therapists are paid so well
Three things explain the high radiation therapist salary USA figure. First, the work is high-stakes: radiation therapists deliver precise doses of radiation to cancer patients, where errors are not an option. Second, the credential is specialised — an ARRT-certified associate or bachelor’s degree that relatively few people complete. Third, supply is tight: the BLS projects only 2% employment growth, but with so few new entrants, qualified therapists remain in demand and command strong, stable wages. It’s a classic case of a small, specialised field paying a premium.
How radiation therapy compares to other healthcare careers
At a median of $101,990, a radiation therapist out-earns almost every other two-year healthcare role — more than an MRI technologist, a radiologic technologist or a respiratory therapist. Only the nurse anesthetist clearly beats it. For the full picture, see our ranking of the highest paying healthcare jobs in the USA.
How long does it take to become a radiation therapist?
Most radiation therapists qualify through a two-year associate degree in radiation therapy, then earn ARRT certification. A bachelor’s degree is also common and can open the door to dosimetry and supervisory roles that pay even more.
Is radiation therapy a good career in 2026?
Financially, yes — a median above $100,000 from a two-year degree, with even entry-level pay near $78,000 and strong job stability. The trade-offs are slow job growth (so openings can be competitive) and the emotional weight of working daily with cancer patients.
What’s the difference between a radiation therapist and a radiologic technologist?
A radiologic technologist takes diagnostic images like X-rays, with a median near $80,110. A radiation therapist treats cancer by delivering targeted radiation, and earns considerably more — a median of $101,990 — reflecting the higher stakes and specialisation.
Want the wider picture? See our guide to the average salary in the USA, or compare with the highest paying healthcare jobs in the USA. For official figures, the BLS publishes detailed wage data at bls.gov.