Radiation therapists
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$101,990
~$49/hr · ~$8,499/mo
US Jobs
19K
Slower than average
AI & Automation Risk
4/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 4/10
The role requires a significant physical presence to position patients, operate heavy machinery, and provide empathetic interpersonal care during serious illness. While AI will heavily automate the digital aspects of the job—such as tumor localization, treatment planning, and dosage calculations—the physical and clinical safety requirements create a substantial barrier to full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $187,700 | Above avg (113.1) | $166,020 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $184,470 | Above avg (117.6) | $156,928 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $168,410 | Above avg (109.1) | $154,376 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $159,600 | Above avg (110.7) | $144,120 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $155,360 | Above avg (114.7) | $135,391 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $120,360 | Average (102.5) | $117,440 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $132,230 | Above avg (112.7) | $117,297 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $131,490 | Above avg (112.6) | $116,730 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $122,700 | Above avg (106.7) | $114,980 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $122,880 | Above avg (107.3) | $114,476 |
| Syracuse, NY | $109,260 | Below avg (95.7) | $114,149 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $116,120 | Average (102.5) | $113,299 |
| Toledo, OH | $101,880 | Below avg (90.6) | $112,421 |
| Pueblo, CO | $103,440 | Below avg (93.0) | $111,223 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $108,540 | Average (98.2) | $110,555 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Associate's degree
10-Year Growth
+2% (Slower than average)
Hourly Rate
~$49/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,499/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)