How to become a Radiation Therapist

Operates high energy X-ray and other radiation and electron generating and monitoring equipment to administer radiation treatment for medical purposes.

Main tasks

• Administers radiation therapy to patients using complex equipment, according to prescribed treatment plans
• Collaborates with Medical Oncologists and other Health Professionals to develop individual treatment plans that provide the greatest effect on disease, with minimal effect to healthy tissue
• Monitors patients closely throughout treatment to ensure comfort and addresses concerns
• Explains procedures to patients and families about radiation therapy procedures and potential side effects
• Ensures radiation therapy equipment is properly maintained and calibrated
• Keeps up to date with advancements in radiation therapy technology and techniques

Ways in

• University: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• University: Allied Health degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $122,720 a year
• About 22,900 people work in this job group now, and about 30,500 are projected by 2035. (+33.1%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Radiation Therapist?

Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees; Allied Health degrees.

How much does a Radiation Therapist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $122,720 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Radiation Therapist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 33% by 2035, from about 22,900 to about 30,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Radiation Therapist?

Usually. 93% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Radiation Therapist?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04