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Health Physicist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

UnityPoint Health

Radiation Physicist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Why UnityPoint Health? At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 ... Master of Science in Medical Physics, Physics or a related field is required * Doctor's degree in ...

UnityPoint Health

Radiation Physicist

Des Moines, IA

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Health ... Master of Science in Medical Physics, Physics or a related field is required * Doctor's degree in ...

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using worked problems, PhET simulations, and laboratory-connected examples to support undergraduate students in physics courses for science, engineering, and pre-health programs.

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using worked problems, PhET simulations, and laboratory-connected examples to support undergraduate students in physics courses for science, engineering, and pre-health programs.

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

Industrial Hygienist

Ames, IA · On-site

$75K/yr

... health physics, environmental health, biostatistics, biology, physiology, toxicology, epidemiology, or industrial hygiene; OR Certification from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH)

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Health Physicist information

See Iowa salary details

$37.1K

$89K

$212.7K

How much do health physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for health physicist in Iowa is $89,047.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,400.00 and $105,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How long does it take to become a health physicist?

Becoming a health physicist typically requires a bachelor's degree in health physics, nuclear engineering, or a related field, which takes about four years. Many professionals pursue a master's degree or certification, such as the Certified Health Physicist credential, which can add 1-2 years of study and experience. Overall, it often takes around 4 to 6 years of education and training to qualify for a health physicist position.

What Does a Health Physicist Do?

As a health physicist, your job is to monitor radiation levels, evaluate the compliance of radiation-using facilities with safety regulations, and inspect buildings and equipment. In this career, you may conduct assessments, train local staff on safety protocols, help create new policies and procedures, and conduct radiological surveys. Some health physicists work exclusively for one facility, while others travel to different areas. Health physicists also spend time learning new procedures, studying new equipment, and adapting to a changing work environment. You may be asked to provide input on how radiation may affect patients, implants, or specific aspects of the health care process.

What is the difference between Health Physicist vs Radiation Safety Officer?

AspectHealth PhysicistRadiation Safety Officer
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CHP), degree in health physics or related fieldSimilar certifications, often CHP, with focus on safety protocols
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nuclear facilities, research labsIndustrial sites, medical facilities, regulatory agencies
Industry UsageDesigning safety programs, radiation protection, complianceImplementing safety procedures, monitoring radiation exposure

Both roles focus on radiation safety and require similar certifications, but Health Physicists often engage in technical assessments and program development, while Radiation Safety Officers primarily oversee safety compliance and daily monitoring. Their work environments and responsibilities overlap, but their specific focus areas differ within the radiation safety field.

Are health physicists in demand?

Health physicists are in demand due to ongoing needs for radiation safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection in healthcare, nuclear power, and research facilities. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as industries prioritize safety standards and require specialized knowledge in radiation protection and related certifications. Strong technical skills and knowledge of regulations enhance job prospects in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by health physicists in maintaining radiation safety in diverse work environments?

Health physicists often work in varied settings, such as hospitals, research laboratories, or nuclear facilities, where each environment presents unique radiation safety challenges. They must stay current with evolving regulations, adapt safety protocols to new technologies, and ensure that all staff understand and follow proper procedures. Balancing administrative duties, onsite inspections, and ongoing training can be demanding, but these efforts are crucial for maintaining a safe workplace and minimizing radiation exposure risks.

What is a Health Physicist?

A Health Physicist is a professional who specializes in radiation protection and the safe use of radioactive materials. They work to ensure that people and the environment are protected from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation in settings such as hospitals, research labs, nuclear power plants, and industry. Health Physicists develop safety procedures, monitor radiation levels, and help ensure compliance with government regulations. Their work is essential for minimizing radiation risks while allowing for the beneficial uses of radiation in medicine, research, and energy production.

What can you do with a health physics degree?

A health physicist uses their degree to work in radiation safety, ensuring the protection of people and the environment from radiation hazards. They often work in hospitals, nuclear power plants, research facilities, or regulatory agencies, applying knowledge of radiation detection, shielding, and safety protocols. Certification and familiarity with radiation measurement tools are common requirements in this field.

What is a health physics salary?

A health physicist's salary varies based on experience, education, and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level positions often start around $60,000, while experienced professionals with certifications can earn over $130,000. The role involves radiation safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental monitoring, often requiring a degree in health physics or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Health Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Health Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, radiation safety, and health science, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health physics or a related field. Familiarity with radiation detection instruments, dosimetry software, and relevant certifications such as Certified Health Physicist (CHP) are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are critical soft skills for assessing hazards and advising on safety protocols. These competencies are essential for ensuring regulatory compliance, protecting public health, and maintaining safe environments where ionizing radiation is present.
More about Health Physicist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Health Physicist jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Health Physicist jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Health Physicist jobs in Iowa? For Health Physicist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Health Physicist jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Health Physicist jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Health Physicist jobs in IA? For Health Physicist jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Health Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Health Physicist job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,047 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Radiation Physicist

UnityPoint Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 885 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
***$25,000 SIGN ON BONUS***
***Eligible for Relocation Assistance***
***Eligible for Stipend Payments up to $20,000 while in residency***
We are seeking a dedicated Radiation Physicist to ensure the safe, precise, and effective delivery of therapeutic ionizing radiation within our Radiation Oncology department. This role works closely with radiation oncologists and clinical staff to uphold the highest standards of treatment accuracy, regulatory compliance, and patient safety.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
  • Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing the acquisition, storage, and use of therapeutic radioactivity, including adherence to IEMA, DNV, ACR, and NRC standards.
  • Develop, implement, and review policies and procedures for safe, effective operation of all therapeutic equipment, including linear accelerators and brachytherapy systems.
  • Perform annual beam-output checks, daily quality-assessment tests, and routine equipment performance evaluations to maintain alignment with national standards.
  • Conduct clinical QA, acceptance testing, commissioning, calibration, and shielding evaluations for new or repaired radiation-therapy equipment.
  • Support radiation-safety and regulatory-compliance activities, oversee technical aspects of dosimetry and therapy workflows, and provide technical in-services as needed.
  • Participate in IOeRT treatments, ensuring machine readiness through QA procedures, and assist dosimetry with treatment planning for external beam, SRS, and brachytherapy.
  • Collaborate with radiation oncologists and technical staff to develop optimal treatment plans, perform HDR planning, monitor patients during treatment, and implement updates to planning and verification software.
  • Attend departmental and radiation-safety meetings, identify operational issues, and contribute to continuous improvement in clinical quality and patient safety.

Qualifications
Education:
  • Master of Science in Medical Physics, Physics or a related field is required
  • Doctor's degree in Medical Physics, Physics or a related field is preferred

Experience:
  • At least three (3) years of experience in a clinical setting is preferred

License(s)/Certification(s):
  • Required Upon Hire:
    • Board Certified Radiation Therapy Physicist by the American Board of Medical Physicists
    • Board Certified Radiation Therapy Physicist by the American Board of Radiology
    • Eligible to be an Authorized Medical Physicist by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
  • Required within 3 years of Hire:
    • Certification by the American board of Radiology or equivalent in therapeutic Medic Physics

What UnityPoint Health employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

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