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Health Physicist Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Health Physics, Radiation Science, Environmental Health, Science, or Engineering and 0-2 years job related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience ...

Experience in Health Physics or a related field/Radiation Safety is required. * Experience working on field sites performing survey/sampling activities in difficult decontamination and ...

Experience in Health Physics or a related field/Radiation Safety is required. * Experience working on field sites performing survey/sampling activities in difficult decontamination and ...

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.

This position reports directly to the Department Chair for Health Science. Responsibilities: * Teach Physics courses in an online learning environment. * Develop and deliver course content that meets ...

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Health Physicist information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$34.3K

$82.3K

$196.5K

How much do health physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for health physicist in Oak Ridge, TN is $82,252.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,200.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a health physicist?

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.

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 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 the need for radiation safety in medical, nuclear, and research facilities. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as regulations increase and new technologies emerge, requiring specialized knowledge and certifications such as the Certified Health Physicist credential.

Do health physicists make good money?

Health physicists typically earn a competitive salary, with median wages often above the national average for science and engineering roles. Salaries vary based on experience, education, certifications, and work environment, such as hospitals, nuclear facilities, or government agencies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Health Physicist jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Health Physicist jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What are popular job titles related to Health Physicist jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

For Health Physicist jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Health Physicist jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Health Physicist job openings:

Infographic showing various Health Physicist job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,252 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Health Physicist 1

ORAU

Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Appointment Type: Full-Time Regular (FTR)

Location: Oak Ridge, TN

*Salary Range: $73,195 – $114,400

ELIGIBLE FOR A SIGN-ON BONUS

PURPOSE: To plan and lead small and more routine environmental and radiological surveys. To provide technical assistance and expertise to federal agencies in various aspects of environmental and radiological protection.


  • Performs field sampling and radiation survey activities at domestic and international sites. Typical travel averages one week per month; however, it can increase significantly during busy periods, and travel can span multiple weeks at a time for certain projects.
  • Familiar with survey and sampling design as described in the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM).
  • Maintains radiation survey instrumentation including maintenance, performing calibrations per procedure, and troubleshooting.
  • Prepares and packs equipment for survey trips and performs equipment room organization and complete equipment inventories (quarterly).
  • Assists with procedure updates and training new employees.
  • Ensures data/sample collection and field documentation of data collection are complete and per procedure.
  • Assists with post-survey data entry into tables, calculations, and/or data validation, and plot generation, etc.
  • Assists in preparing formal planning and reporting documents for survey activities and assists Project Managers as needed.
  • Focuses on information technology to improve project efficiencies, such as developing/maintaining new geographic information system (GIS) capabilities.
  • Evaluates, tests, and develops procedures for new equipment as assigned. Utilizes ArcGIS or other GIS software as needed.
  • Maintains all ORAU required and project-specific training and is able to work independently in the office and at field sites after procedure sign-offs are complete.

Bachelor’s degree in Health Physics, Radiation Science, Environmental Health, Science, or Engineering and 0-2 years job related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience requiring similar knowledge, skills, abilities, and performing duties as described may be substituted for the minimum requirements.

  • Experience in Health Physics or a related field/Radiation Safety is required.
  • Experience working on field sites performing survey/sampling activities in difficult decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) conditions.
  • Directly related experience involving:
    • Operation of radiological instrumentation.
    • Calibration of radiological instrumentation and troubleshooting.
    • Collection of radiological data/samples.
    • Radiation protection fundamentals.
  • Preferred experience includes:
    • Strict adherence to project planning documents, reports, procedures, etc.
    • Collecting and recording field/sample data per procedure.
    • Development of project planning documents, reports, procedures, etc.
    • Performing day-to-day interactions with customers, regulators, and management.
  • Knowledge of:
    • Field sampling and survey procedures and radiation protection fundamentals such as described in the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM).
    • Radiation survey instrumentation operation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
    • Effective technical/scientific writing methods (e.g., survey plans, procedures, reports, etc.).
    • Standard practices for field documentation and records management.
    • Standard radio-analytical methods and procedures (e.g., sample containers, preservatives, storage, analysis, etc.).
    • GIS software/GPS equipment.
  • Must have effective communication methods.
  • Must be able to work independently without supervision.

*The candidate’s starting salary will be determined upon hire and ORAU will use salary survey data, internal comparators, and the candidate’s qualifications to determine salary.

TOTAL REWARDS:

ORAU has a strategic approach to providing total rewards to employees through a fair, equitable, and competitive total compensation package. The goal of our total rewards system is to integrate compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance, recognition, development, and career opportunities to attract, engage, and retain the talent required to achieve ORAU’s business objectives. The benefit component of our total rewards program supports business goals by offering the following benefits based on employee eligibility:

  • Legally required benefits
  • Group Health insurance including: Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision
  • Retirement plan contribution matching
  • Disability insurance
  • Group life insurance
  • Travel Accident Insurance
  • Section 125 reimbursement accounts
  • Other voluntary employee paid benefit and insurance offerings

The ORAU total reward package also promotes work-life balance. Mindful of the need for employees to care for themselves and their families, ORAU offers the following additional work-life benefits based on employee eligibility:

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Flexible work schedules or compressed work weeks
  • Occupational Health and Wellness Programs
  • Employee Assistance Program

ORAU logo

About ORAU

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Public administration

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Oak Ridge, TN, US

Year founded

1946