πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA Radiation Oncology & Medical Imaging Salaries

Dosimetrist Salary in USA 2026 $147,470 Median Salary

Medical Dosimetrists calculate radiation doses and develop detailed treatment plans used in cancer care. They work with radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiation therapists to ensure treatment plans are accurate, safe and appropriately matched to each patient's clinical needs. The latest national salary benchmark is approximately $147,470 per year or $70.90 per hour, while the mean annual wage is $148,500. Actual Dosimetrist compensation can vary according to experience, certification, employer, location, specialization and clinical responsibilities.

Research Team SalaryPayslip Research Team
Updated
Reading Time 15 Minutes
Category Radiation Oncology & Medical Imaging Careers

Dosimetrist Salary in USA: Quick Answer

Medical Dosimetrists are specialized radiation oncology professionals who calculate treatment doses and create treatment plans for patients receiving radiation therapy. The current national median wage is $70.90 per hour, which corresponds to approximately $147,470 per year. The occupation reports a mean annual wage of $148,500, showing how closely the national average and median currently compare. Actual Dosimetrist earnings may move above or below these figures depending on clinical experience, certification, employer, location, treatment technology and professional responsibilities.

Median Annual Salary
$147,470

The national median annual wage for Medical Dosimetrists is approximately $147,470 based on the latest published wage data.

Estimated Monthly Equivalent
β‰ˆ $12,289

Dividing the $147,470 annual median by 12 produces an estimated monthly equivalent of about $12,289 before taxes and deductions.

Median Hourly Pay
$70.90

The national median hourly wage for Medical Dosimetrists is approximately $70.90 per hour.

Mean Annual Wage
$148,500

The reported mean annual wage is approximately $148,500, slightly above the national median salary of $147,470.

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Dosimetrist Salary Benchmark Note

Medical Dosimetrists are reported as a dedicated occupational category under Medical Dosimetrists (SOC 29-2036) This makes the national $147,470 median a direct occupational wage benchmark rather than a residual category shared with several unrelated healthcare occupations. Individual salary offers can still vary according to treatment center, experience, certification, location and scope of practice.

Table of Contents

Dosimetrist Salary Table in USA: Annual, Monthly, Weekly & Hourly Pay

Salary Metric Dosimetrist Benchmark
Median Annual Salary Approximately $147,470 per year
Monthly Equivalent Approximately $12,289 per month
Weekly Equivalent Approximately $2,836 per week
Median Hourly Pay $70.90 per hour
Mean Annual Wage $148,500 per year
Mean Hourly Wage $71.40 per hour
Median Annual Calculation $70.90 Γ— 2,080 β‰ˆ $147,470
Occupational Salary Category Medical Dosimetrists (29-2036)
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Salary Conversion Note

The $70.90 median hourly wage corresponds to approximately $147,470 per year on a standard full-time schedule. Dividing the annual figure by 12 gives roughly $12,289 per month, while dividing it by 52 gives about $2,836 per week. These monthly and weekly amounts are calculated estimates, not separately published pay rates.

Want to calculate your salary? Use our Salary & Take-Home Pay Calculator to estimate taxes and deductions. You can also use our Salary to Hourly Calculator to convert annual compensation into an hourly figure. Need a manual pay stub? Create Salary Pay Stub online.

Dosimetrist Salary by Experience in USA

Experience can make a meaningful difference in medical dosimetry because professionals gradually develop stronger skills in treatment planning, radiation physics, clinical software, dose optimization and quality assurance. More experienced Dosimetrists may handle complex treatment plans, support specialized techniques and take on additional responsibilities within radiation oncology departments.

Wage Experience Reference Salary Reference Hourly Reference
Lower 10% Wage Level Less than $111,670 Less than approximately $53.69 per hour
Lower-to-Middle Career Range Above $111,670 and below $147,470 Approximately $53.69–$70.89 per hour
Median Benchmark Approximately $147,470 $70.90 per hour
Mean Wage Benchmark Approximately $148,500 $71.40 per hour
Upper 10% Wage Level More than $185,450 More than approximately $89.16 per hour
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Experience & Earnings Note

The wage distribution provides a useful way to understand earning potential, but it does not assign a guaranteed salary to a particular number of years of experience. Professional certification, treatment-planning expertise, advanced radiation techniques, employer type and leadership responsibilities can all influence where an individual falls within the national wage range.

Dosimetrist Salary by State in USA

Location can have a noticeable effect on Medical Dosimetrist compensation. States with major cancer centers, large hospital networks and specialized radiation oncology programs can provide stronger opportunities for trained professionals. The figures below are selected detailed state wage benchmarks and are presented separately from the current national 2025 median.

State Annual Salary Benchmark Hourly Benchmark
Washington $177,710 per year Approximately $85.44 per hour
Kansas $160,120 per year Approximately $76.98 per hour
New York $158,340 per year Approximately $76.12 per hour
New Jersey $157,980 per year Approximately $75.95 per hour
Alaska $157,340 per year Approximately $75.64 per hour
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State Salary Note

The state figures shown above are selected May 2023 detailed Medical Dosimetrist wage benchmarks They should not be mistaken for the national May 2025 median of $147,470 State compensation can change as local healthcare demand, employer mix and specialized cancer-care services develop.

Dosimetrist Salary by Employer

The type of healthcare organization can influence compensation for Medical Dosimetrists. Cancer treatment centers, hospitals, physician practices and outpatient facilities may have different staffing models and pay structures. The level of treatment complexity, technology used and professional responsibilities can also affect the overall compensation package.

Employer / Industry Setting Salary Reference
Outpatient Care Centers $174,400 per year
Offices of Physicians $148,190 per year
Hospitals; State, Local and Private $147,010 per year
National Median Wage $147,470 per year
National Mean Wage $148,500 per year
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Employer Compensation Note

Industry wage figures are useful for comparing different healthcare settings, but an individual Dosimetrist offer may differ from the listed industry benchmark. Certification, treatment-planning experience, hospital size, geographic market, workload and advanced responsibilities can all influence actual compensation.

Dosimetrist Role & Responsibilities in USA

Medical Dosimetrists play an important technical role in radiation oncology. They translate a physician's treatment prescription into a carefully designed radiation plan that determines how dose should be distributed within the patient's anatomy. Their work combines medical knowledge, radiation physics, computer-based planning and detailed quality checks.

☒️ Radiation Dose Calculation

Calculate radiation dose distributions and help determine how prescribed treatment can be delivered accurately to the intended target.

πŸ“ Treatment Plan Design

Develop and optimize treatment plans using specialized planning software, patient anatomy and the clinical objectives established by the oncology team.

πŸ–₯️ CT & Imaging Review

Review CT, MRI and other relevant imaging information to understand patient anatomy and support accurate treatment planning.

πŸ‘¨β€βš•οΈ Oncology Team Support

Work with radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiation therapists to evaluate treatment plans and address clinical planning requirements.

πŸ”¬ Quality Assurance

Perform detailed checks of treatment plans, calculations and planning parameters to support safe and consistent radiation delivery.

πŸ“‹ Clinical Documentation

Maintain accurate treatment-planning records, calculations and supporting documentation according to departmental procedures and clinical standards.

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Dosimetrist Work Environment

Medical Dosimetrists commonly work in hospitals, physician offices and outpatient cancer-care environments. Most of the work is computer-based and requires close coordination with radiation oncology professionals. The position combines technical planning responsibilities with patient-specific clinical decision support.

Radiation Treatment Planning & Dosimetry

Treatment planning is one of the central responsibilities of a Medical Dosimetrist. After receiving the physician's treatment objectives, the Dosimetrist uses patient imaging and planning software to develop a dose distribution that targets the appropriate area while limiting exposure to nearby healthy structures.

Different treatment techniques can require different planning approaches. Professionals may work with technologies such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided treatment, stereotactic techniques and other advanced methods depending on the facility and clinical program.

Dose Verification & Equipment Quality

Dosimetry involves more than creating a treatment plan. Professionals also review calculations, dose distributions and planning parameters to identify potential problems before treatment is delivered. Careful verification is important because even small planning errors can affect the intended radiation dose.

Dosimetrists may also participate in equipment and treatment-system quality processes. Their responsibilities can include checking planning outputs, working with medical physicists and ensuring that treatment plans meet the clinical requirements established for each patient.

Treatment Planning Data & Dose Analysis

Medical Dosimetry relies heavily on detailed patient and treatment data. Professionals evaluate anatomy, target volumes, organs at risk, dose distributions and treatment parameters when developing a plan.

Computer-based analysis allows Dosimetrists to compare different planning approaches and refine dose distribution. Accurate data interpretation is particularly important when treatment plans involve complex anatomy, multiple targets or highly precise radiation techniques.

Radiation Oncology Support

Dosimetrists work within multidisciplinary radiation oncology teams that can include radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, oncology nurses and other clinical professionals. Their planning work helps translate a patient's treatment prescription into a practical radiation delivery plan.

Depending on the facility, Dosimetrists may support conventional radiation therapy as well as more advanced techniques involving highly targeted dose delivery. The exact scope of work depends on the equipment, patient population and clinical protocols of the organization.

Research & Quality Improvement

Medical Dosimetrists can contribute to research and quality-improvement projects focused on treatment planning, radiation safety, workflow efficiency and clinical outcomes. Their practical knowledge of planning systems can be valuable when evaluating new techniques or technologies.

Hospitals and cancer centers may use planning data to compare treatment approaches, improve consistency and identify opportunities to streamline clinical workflows. Research responsibilities vary by employer and by the professional's level of experience.

Dosimetrist Salary by Education and Training

Education is a central requirement for entering medical dosimetry because the profession combines radiation physics, anatomy, medical imaging, treatment planning and clinical practice. A typical pathway includes a bachelor's degree followed by specialized education in medical dosimetry.

Candidates who develop strong technical knowledge and complete accredited clinical training may be better prepared for advanced planning environments. Additional experience with treatment-planning systems, radiation techniques and quality assurance can also strengthen long-term career opportunities.

How to Become a Dosimetrist in the USA

A common route into medical dosimetry begins with a bachelor's degree in medical dosimetry or a related scientific or healthcare field. Students then complete an accredited medical dosimetry program that combines classroom education with supervised clinical preparation.

Training commonly covers radiation physics, anatomy, radiobiology, radiation treatment techniques, medical imaging and treatment-planning software. Clinical education gives students practical experience in developing and evaluating radiation treatment plans.

After completing the required education and clinical preparation, candidates may pursue professional certification and meet employer-specific requirements. Certification is commonly valued by employers and can be an important part of establishing professional competency.

Professional Training & Qualifications

Medical Dosimetry employers commonly seek candidates who have completed formal specialized training and can demonstrate competency in radiation treatment planning. Professional certification can strengthen employment prospects and demonstrate knowledge of established dosimetry practices.

Continuing professional development can include advanced treatment techniques, treatment-planning systems, stereotactic procedures, image-guided radiation therapy and quality-assurance practices. Keeping technical skills current is important as radiation oncology technology continues to advance.

Education and credentialing requirements can differ by program and employer. Candidates should verify current academic, clinical and certification requirements before applying for Medical Dosimetrist positions.

Essential Dosimetrist Skills

Medical Dosimetrists need a strong combination of analytical ability, radiation knowledge, computer skills and attention to detail. Treatment planning requires careful evaluation of patient anatomy and precise adjustments to dose distribution while working within clinical requirements.

☒️ Radiation Physics

Understand radiation principles, dose distribution, treatment techniques and the physical factors that influence radiation delivery.

πŸ–₯️ Treatment Planning Software

Use specialized planning systems to build, modify and evaluate patient treatment plans.

πŸ“Š Analytical Thinking

Interpret treatment data, compare planning options and identify issues that could affect dose distribution or plan quality.

πŸ” Attention to Detail

Review calculations, anatomical structures and treatment parameters carefully to support accurate radiation planning.

πŸ‘₯ Team Communication

Communicate effectively with radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists and other members of the oncology team.

πŸ“ Clinical Documentation

Maintain accurate treatment-planning records and document relevant clinical and technical information.

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Dosimetrist Skill Development

Advanced experience with complex treatment planning, specialized radiation techniques and quality-assurance procedures can expand a Dosimetrist's clinical responsibilities and create opportunities for senior or specialized positions.

Dosimetrist Career Path Opportunities in USA

Medical Dosimetry offers several possible directions as professionals gain experience and develop specialized technical skills. Some Dosimetrists remain focused on clinical treatment planning, while others move toward advanced planning, education, management, research or specialized radiation programs.

πŸŽ“ Clinical Dosimetrist

Develop foundational experience creating and evaluating radiation treatment plans for patients receiving cancer therapy.

☒️ Senior Dosimetrist

Handle more complex treatment plans and provide technical guidance to other members of the dosimetry team.

πŸ–₯️ Advanced Treatment Planner

Develop expertise in complex radiation techniques and sophisticated computer-based treatment-planning systems.

πŸ”¬ Research Dosimetrist

Participate in clinical research, treatment-planning studies and evaluation of new radiation technologies and techniques.

πŸ“š Clinical Educator

Support students and healthcare professionals through education in treatment planning, dosimetry techniques and clinical workflows.

πŸ₯ Dosimetry Manager

Move into departmental leadership involving staffing, planning operations, quality programs, technology and workflow coordination.

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Career Advancement Note

Career progression can depend on professional certification, treatment planning experience, technical specialization, leadership ability and employer needs. Additional responsibilities may lead to opportunities in senior clinical practice, education, research and management.

Dosimetrist Benefits & Compensation in USA

Medical Dosimetrist compensation may include more than the advertised base salary. Hospital and cancer-center positions can provide health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, professional development and other employee benefits.

Some employers may also provide additional compensation for specialized responsibilities, leadership assignments, extended schedules or other departmental requirements. The structure varies significantly between healthcare organizations.

When comparing Dosimetrist opportunities, candidates should consider salary, benefits, certification support, workload, treatment technology, schedule, professional development and advancement opportunities together rather than evaluating base pay alone.

Dosimetrist Employment Outlook in USA

Medical Dosimetry is a specialized healthcare occupation connected to cancer treatment and radiation oncology. National employment is projected to grow from approximately 3,500 jobs in 2025 to about 3,700 jobs by 2035, representing projected growth of approximately 5%.

The occupation is expected to have about 200 openings per year on average over the projection period. Opportunities can be influenced by cancer treatment demand, replacement hiring, healthcare expansion and the availability of specialized radiation oncology services.

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Employment Outlook Note

Medical Dosimetry is a relatively small healthcare profession, so employment opportunities are concentrated around hospitals, cancer centers, physician offices and outpatient treatment facilities. Professionals with strong clinical planning skills and recognized credentials may have access to a broader range of opportunities.

Future of Medical Dosimetry in the USA

Radiation oncology continues to adopt more precise treatment technologies, advanced imaging and increasingly sophisticated planning systems. Medical Dosimetrists remain important because these systems require detailed patient-specific planning and careful evaluation of radiation dose.

Image-guided radiation therapy, intensity-modulated techniques, stereotactic treatments, adaptive planning and other technology-driven approaches may create additional opportunities for professionals who develop advanced technical skills.

Automation and artificial intelligence may assist with portions of treatment planning, but clinical review remains important. Dosimetrists must understand patient anatomy, treatment objectives and dose limitations while working closely with the radiation oncology team.

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Future Career Note

Professionals who combine strong radiation-planning fundamentals with experience in advanced treatment systems, automation, data analysis and quality assurance may be well positioned as radiation oncology workflows continue to evolve.

Dosimetrist Salary Data Sources and Methodology

SalaryPayslip uses the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics information as the primary federal wage reference for this guide. Medical Dosimetrists are reported separately under Medical Dosimetrists (SOC 29-2036). The May 2025 national median wage is $70.90 per hour, equal to approximately $147,470 per year, while the mean annual wage is $148,500.

Data Source / Method How It Is Used
National Wage Benchmark Used to establish the $70.90 median hourly wage and $147,470 median annual salary.
Medical Dosimetrists (29-2036) Used as the dedicated occupational classification for national salary comparisons.
2025 Wage Distribution Used to compare lower, median and upper wage levels for the occupation.
State Wage Information Used to illustrate geographic differences using selected detailed state benchmarks.
Industry Wage Information Used to compare compensation across hospitals, physician offices and outpatient care settings.
Monthly & Weekly Calculations Annual salary is divided by 12 for monthly pay and by 52 for weekly pay.
Career Information Occupational and professional resources are used to describe education, skills, work settings and career development.
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Methodology Note

The $147,470 median represents the published national wage benchmark for Medical Dosimetrists. Calculated monthly and weekly amounts are derived from that annual figure and are provided for easier salary comparison. Individual offers may differ because of certification, experience, treatment-planning skills, location, employer and specialized clinical responsibilities.

International Dosimetrist Career Pathways in the USA

Internationally educated healthcare professionals may explore Medical Dosimetry opportunities in the United States when their academic background, clinical preparation and professional credentials meet the requirements of the position. The pathway may involve reviewing education records and meeting U.S. training or credentialing expectations.

🌍 International Healthcare Graduates

Professionals educated outside the United States can research U.S. medical dosimetry programs and employers that evaluate international academic and clinical backgrounds.

πŸ“‹ Academic Evaluation

Schools, employers or credentialing organizations may request transcripts, degree records and supporting documentation when reviewing international education.

πŸŽ“ Additional U.S. Training

Some candidates may need additional specialized education or supervised clinical preparation before qualifying for particular Dosimetrist roles.

☒️ Clinical Experience

Experience with radiation therapy, treatment planning, medical imaging or related oncology technologies can be useful when pursuing U.S. opportunities.

🌎
International Career Note

Requirements can vary according to previous education, certification, employer policies, professional training and employment authorization. International candidates should verify current requirements directly with the relevant educational program, credentialing organization, employer and other applicable authorities.

Radiation Oncology Career Resources

The following resources can help current and aspiring Dosimetrists research occupational wage information, professional education, certification, radiation oncology careers and medical dosimetry practice in the United States.

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Resource Note

Education programs, certification standards, treatment technologies and employer expectations can change over time. Candidates should confirm current professional requirements before choosing an education program or applying for a Dosimetrist position.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dosimetrist Salaries in the USA

What is the average Dosimetrist salary in the USA?

Medical Dosimetrists have a national median salary of approximately $147,470 per year, equivalent to about $70.90 per hour. The reported mean annual wage is approximately $148,500. Individual salaries can differ according to experience, certification, employer, geographic location, treatment technology and clinical responsibilities.

How much does a Dosimetrist make per month in the USA?

Using the national median annual salary of $147,470, the estimated monthly equivalent is approximately $12,289 per month before taxes and other deductions. This figure is calculated by dividing the annual salary by 12 and is not a separately published monthly wage.

What is the hourly pay for a Dosimetrist?

The national median hourly wage for a Medical Dosimetrist is approximately $70.90 per hour. The corresponding annual salary is about $147,470 for a standard full-time work schedule. Actual hourly compensation may be different depending on the employer, location, experience and professional specialization.

Can Dosimetrists earn more than $147,470 a year?

Yes. The national wage distribution shows that higher-paid Medical Dosimetrists can earn more than $185,450 per year. The mean annual wage is approximately $148,500, while professionals with advanced skills, certification, complex treatment-planning experience or additional responsibilities may have stronger earning potential.

Which states have the highest Dosimetrist salary levels?

Selected detailed state benchmarks show high wage levels in several U.S. markets. May 2023 figures include approximately $177,710 per year in Washington, $160,120 in Kansas, $158,340 in New York and $157,980 in New Jersey. These are state occupational benchmarks from 2023 rather than current 2025 state-specific salary guarantees.

Does experience increase Dosimetrist salary?

Experience can improve earning potential as Dosimetrists become more proficient with treatment-planning software, complex radiation techniques, dose optimization and clinical quality procedures. The national wage distribution ranges from less than $111,670 at the lower 10% level to more than $185,450 at the upper 10% level, with a median of $147,470.

What education is needed to become a Dosimetrist?

A typical Medical Dosimetrist pathway includes a bachelor's degree followed by specialized education in medical dosimetry. Accredited programs commonly cover radiation physics, anatomy, radiobiology, treatment techniques, medical imaging and treatment-planning systems, along with supervised clinical preparation.

Do Dosimetrists need a master's degree or advanced training?

A master's degree is not universally required for every Medical Dosimetrist pathway. The typical route involves a bachelor's degree and an accredited medical dosimetry program, although certificate or graduate-level options may be available depending on a candidate's background. Additional training can also help professionals develop advanced treatment-planning skills.

Can international students and foreign-trained Dosimetrists work in the USA?

Foreign-trained professionals may pursue U.S. Medical Dosimetry opportunities when their education, clinical preparation and credentials meet applicable requirements. Depending on the candidate and employer, academic evaluation, additional U.S. training, professional certification and appropriate work authorization may be necessary.

What factors affect Dosimetrist salaries in the USA?

Dosimetrist compensation can be influenced by certification, clinical experience, treatment-planning expertise, employer type, geographic location, radiation technology, workload and advanced responsibilities. The current national median is approximately $147,470 per year or $70.90 per hour, while the mean annual wage is about $148,500.

Conclusion

Medical Dosimetrists play a highly technical role in radiation oncology. Their work combines radiation science, computer-based treatment planning, patient anatomy and clinical teamwork to help create accurate radiation treatment plans.

The current national salary benchmark is approximately $70.90 per hour, equivalent to $147,470 per year or about $12,289 per month. The reported mean annual wage is approximately $148,500. These figures provide a strong national reference for understanding the earning level associated with the Medical Dosimetry profession.

Actual Dosimetrist compensation can vary according to education, certification, treatment-planning experience, employer, geographic market, clinical specialization, workload and professional responsibilities. Advanced treatment techniques and senior positions may also influence total earnings.

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Bottom Line

Medical Dosimetry can be an attractive healthcare career for professionals who enjoy radiation science, technology, analytical work and patient-focused clinical environments. When evaluating opportunities, compare salary with benefits, certification support, treatment complexity, technology, workload and long-term career development.

Salary Disclaimer

The Dosimetrist salary information published by SalaryPayslip is provided for general educational and informational purposes. Actual compensation may vary according to professional experience, education, certification, employer, geographic location, specialization, workload and employment arrangement.

Salary figures should not be considered guaranteed earnings, employment offers or contractual compensation. Annual, monthly, weekly and hourly amounts shown in this guide include calculated conversions designed to make salary comparisons easier.

Medical Dosimetrists are reported as a dedicated national wage occupation under SOC 29-2036. The national benchmark used in this article therefore represents the occupation directly, while individual salaries can still vary according to professional and market conditions.

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Important Notice

Dosimetrist earnings can change with clinical experience, certification, treatment-planning expertise, employer, geographic market, technology, workload, leadership responsibilities and changes in the healthcare labor market.