Radiation Therapists in Texas
Thinking about a career as a Radiation Therapists in Texas? Here’s what you need to know. Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
What do Radiation Therapists Make in Texas?
For radiation therapists working in Texas, wages run about $101,740 per year (or about $48.91/hour).Pay can range from $82,350 at the 10th percentile to $129,210 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,350 | $39.59 |
| 25th percentile | $95,980 | $46.15 |
| Median (50th) | $101,740 | $48.91 |
| 75th percentile | $117,440 | $56.46 |
| 90th percentile | $129,210 | $62.12 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Texas relative to the national average — is 0.86, indicating fewer radiation therapists per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, radiation therapists earn a median of $43,552 per year ($20.94/hour), exceeding the Texas median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 1,196,673 radiation therapists in the U.S.. In Texas alone, about 1,440 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 220 radiation therapists.
Top Texas Metros for Radiation Therapists
These are the Texas metros with the most radiation therapists in Texas.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | 470 | $103,220 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 210 | $116,120 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | 150 | $101,510 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 150 | $99,440 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 40 | $94,930 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 30 | $94,180 |
Top States for Radiation Therapists Employment
View the states that employ the most radiation therapists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 1,440 |
| Florida | 1,390 |
| California | 1,240 |
| New York | 1,140 |
| North Carolina | 940 |
| Pennsylvania | 800 |
| Virginia | 760 |
| New Jersey | 750 |
| Michigan | 620 |
| Ohio | 600 |
| Missouri | 540 |
| Tennessee | 510 |
| Wisconsin | 490 |
| Washington | 450 |
| Arizona | 420 |
| Georgia | 390 |
| Massachusetts | 300 |
| Indiana | 260 |
| Oregon | 240 |
| Maryland | 230 |
Highest-Paying States for Radiation Therapists
The highest-paying states for radiation therapists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $160,040 |
| Washington | $129,100 |
| Oregon | $125,680 |
| New Jersey | $124,820 |
| New York | $122,500 |
| Illinois | $120,360 |
| Alaska | $120,310 |
| Delaware | $110,000 |
| Connecticut | $108,310 |
| Vermont | $107,580 |
Skills
Top radiation therapists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for radiation therapists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, radiation therapists typically:
- Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
- Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
- Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
- Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
- Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
- Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
- Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
- Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
- Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
- Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.
Work Activities
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: eClinicalWorks EHR software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Allied Health Professions
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to radiation therapists include:
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Physical Therapists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Acute Care Nurses
- Cardiologists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
Also Known As
Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist), Dosimetrist, Radiation Oncology Registered Nurse (Radiation Oncology RN), Radiation Therapist (RT), Radiation Therapy Technician, Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT), Radiologic Therapist, Radiology Therapist, Registered Radiation Therapist, Staff Radiation Therapist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 29-1124.00