Radiation therapists
SOC Code: 29-1124
Radiation therapists carries a 52% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $101,990 and +1.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 19,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Radiation therapists (SOC 29-1124) carries an AI exposure score of 52%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 19,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.9% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $101,990, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Radiation therapists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
- 2. Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
- 3. Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- 4. Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
- 5. Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
- 6. Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
- 7. Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
- 8. Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
- 9. 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.
- 10. Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Operations Monitoring
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
- Writing
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- Biology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Radiation therapists?
Radiation therapists has an AI exposure score of 52%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Radiation therapists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Radiation therapists is projected to grow by 1.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 19,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Radiation therapists?
Key skills for Radiation therapists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Radiation therapists earn?
The median annual wage for Radiation therapists is $101,990, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Radiation therapists?
The typical entry-level education for Radiation therapists is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Radiation therapists?
Radiation therapists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).