Radiation therapists work during the day, barring emergencies.
Cancer patients often meet up with a friendly face during their treatment: the radiation therapist. Radiation therapists make up part of a radiation oncology team and are primarily responsible for administering the radiation that attacks cancer cells and kills them. They also care for patients directly, evaluating their emotional and physical abilities to proceed with treatment.
Average Income
The average annual salary for a radiation therapist as of 2011 is $53,000 to $73,000, according to PayScale. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $25 to $34, with an overtime pay rate averaging between $38 and $51 an hour. Some therapists also report earning yearly bonuses, which can be as much as $2,000, and profit-sharing plans can add another $2,800.
Experience Counts
The more experience a radiation therapist has, the more money she can make, according to PayScale. A therapist with one year of experience or less can expect to begin making $18 to $26 an hour, while a therapist who has been in her profession for six years can command as much as $34 an hour.
Education Required
An associate or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy is generally required to enter this profession, though some students earn a degree in radiography before entering a yearlong program of radiation therapy study. The 12-month program yields a certification upon completion. As of 2009, 33 states require therapists to be licensed, usually by passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam.
Future Job Outlook
Through the year 2018, there should be a 27 percent increase in jobs for radiation therapists, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a rate of growth considered much better than average. The reason for this is the increase in the safety of radiation therapy, making it the preferred method of cancer treatment.
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