Radiation is often deemed the best course of treatment for those suffering from life threatening diseases, particularly cancer. Professionals who administer these treatments are called radiation therapists. The field is growing fast, and good opportunities are anticipated. Radiation therapists make an above-average income and are highly respected medical professionals.
Salaries by Experience
Salaries for radiation therapists can vary depending on the area you work in, the type of employer and your experience level. In an August 2009 survey by Payscale.com, the median salary for a first-year radiation therapist ranged between $19.68 an hour to $28.49 an hour. Those radiation therapists with at least 1 year of job experience are reporting earnings of between $24.76 to $30.08 an hour, or up to $62,566 a year. Those with at least 5 years of experience are earning a median salary of between $26.73 an hour and $35.28 an hour. Radiation therapists who have been working for at least a decade are averaging between $30.56 an hour to $39.11 an hour, or up to $81,348 annually.
Pay and Geography
Where you work can play a big part in salary. Radiation therapists in Dallas are some of the highest paid, averaging between $25.43 an hour to $42.24 an hour, or up to $87,859 a year. Their counterparts in Chicago are reporting earnings between $28.75 on the low end to $41.26 on the higher end. Radiation therapists working in St. Louis are not faring as well, reporting an average income of between $26.56 an hour and $31.27 an hour. Radiation therapists in Pittsburgh are earning a median income of between $20.00 an hour to $26.45 an hour, making them some of the lowest paid radiation professionals.
Employer Types
The type of employer you choose can also effect your earnings. Radiation therapists working in private practices are starting at a median of around $27.03 an hour and topping out at around $34.10 an hour. Those choosing to work in the fast-paced environment of a hospital with a more flexible job schedule are reporting earning a minimum of $25.49 an hour and up to $35.23 an hour. Radiation therapists working for nonprofit medical agencies are earning up to $37.47 an hour or up to $77,937 each year.
Gender and Pay
It may be the 21st century, but in many jobs, gender still makes a difference, and radiation therapist positions are not the exception. Male radiation therapists are reporting a median hourly income of between $26.62 an hour to $37.22 an hour, or up to $77,417 a year. Their female co-workers, however, report earning slightly less with a median rate of between $26.22 an hour to $34.09 an hour, or up to $70,907 each year.
Education
Most employers prefer to hire candidates with at least a 2-year associate's degree in radiation therapy, and some may even prefer a bachelor's degree. Most programs can be found in community colleges and universities. Most employers require radiation therapists to be registered. Some employers also prefer certification through an agency, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which can generally increase your salary by about $5 an hour.
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