As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Radiation Physicist in the United States is $212,767 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $102.
However, a Radiation Physicist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Radiation Physicist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Radiation Physicist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Radiation Physicist | $201,932 |
| Intermediate Level Radiation Physicist | $203,715 |
| Senior Level Radiation Physicist | $207,282 |
| Specialist Level Radiation Physicist | $212,633 |
| Expert Level Radiation Physicist | $222,604 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Radiation Physicists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 7.35% |
| Acceptance Testing | 4.06% |
| Cybersecurity | 1.35% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Nuclear Medicine
|
$223,405 |
5%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$223,405 |
5%
|
|
Calibration
|
$221,278 |
4%
|
|
Radiation Safety
|
$219,150 |
3%
|
|
Radiation Therapy
|
$217,022 |
2%
|
|
Treatment Planning
|
$217,022 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Radiation Physicists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Radiation Physicist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $212,143 and $224,700).
Radiation Physicist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 1.1% |
| Associates | 1.1% |
| Bachelors | 10.2% |
| Masters | 58.0% |
| Doctorate | 29.5% |
Understanding how a Radiation Physicist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021For a Radiation Physicist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Radiology Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $154,252 - a projected growth of -28% over your current level.
Salaries for a Radiation Physicist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $133,548 in 2023 to around $122,646 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Radiation Physicist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $133,548 |
| 2024 | $127,384 |
| 2025 | $122,646 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Radiation Physicist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Radiation Physicist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Radiation Physicist is $268,363.
The highest pay for Radiation Physicist is $263,959.
The lowest pay for Radiation Physicist is $167,566.
Ensures the quality of care in the use of radiation-producing sources and imaging equipment and the protection of patients and staff from radiation. Calibrates all radiation therapy equipment, conducts X-ray machine performance surveys, and implements procedures to ensure quality control for electronic imaging devices. Recommends radiation safety procedures. Informs staff in radiation safety practices. May require an advanced degree of radiation physics. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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