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

Centrus Energy Corp.

HP-IH Technician III

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$32K - $41K/yr

As a Health Physics / Industrial Hygiene Technician, you'll play a hands-on role in monitoring, collecting, and analyzing environmental data related to both radioactive and non-radioactive hazards.

Centrus Energy Corp.

HP-IH Technician III

Oak Ridge, TN

$32K - $41K/yr

As a Health Physics / Industrial Hygiene Technician, you'll play a hands-on role in monitoring, collecting, and analyzing environmental data related to both radioactive and non-radioactive hazards.

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Knoxville, TN · 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.

SOUTH COLLEGE

Physics Adjunct - Remote

Knoxville, TN · On-site

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 ...

SPECTRA TECH INC

RCT

Oak Ridge, TN

Extensive experience in radiation monitoring, personnel exposure control and other operational health physics activities. * Advanced working knowledge of applicable Department of Energy (DOE) and/or ...

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All JobsHealth Physicist JobsHealth Physicist Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

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 Jul 28, 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.

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 Oak Ridge, TN? The most popular types of Health Physicist jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
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What job categories do people searching Health Physicist jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Health Physicist jobs in Oak Ridge, TN 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:
Health Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Health Physicist job openings in Oak Ridge, TN 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 $82,252 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Health Physics Technician

Health Physics Technician

Strategic Management Solutions LLC

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Strategic Management Solutions, LLC (SMSI) provides expert management consulting, program and project management, and technical consulting services to government and private-sector clients. SMSI has grown and evolved by building an outstanding reputation for client-focused performance and for delivering results that enable clients to meet commitments and milestones.
SMSI is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran
Job Summary
The Health Physics / Radiation Control Technician monitors, collects results and records data to formulate recommendations on radioactive contaminants in the workplace environment. Understands and applies the appropriate meter and technique to use for radiological surveys for the uranium fuel cycle of various enrichments, types of feed sources, and binary metal. This includes expected daughter products, background radiation interference, isotopes that concentrate as a result of centrifuge processing, transuranic radionuclides, other hard to detect nuclides, chemicals, physical and biological agents in the environment and internal workplace.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Performs and documents radiation surveys, contamination surveys, airborne radioactivity, and chemical hazard surveys to characterize radiological conditions, support job-planning, job- coverage, post-job surveys, detect changes in conditions, release from radiological control areas, unrestricted off-site material removal, and radiological shipping surveys.
  • Performs, understands and applies technical activities in support of the Health Physics programs.
  • Collects and records data using Health Physics equipment to monitor personnel and work areas for existence of and extent of hazard.
  • Using math and tools such as spreadsheets, converts the raw readings from radiological surveys to meaningful units for radiation protection purposes. This includes but is not limited to beta dose rates, contamination levels in dpm/100cm2, airborne concentration in μCi/ml and percent DAC.
  • Recognizes and takes the appropriate action when radiological conditions are outside the pre-defined safety envelope as may be described in a radiation work permit, per radiological postings, safety or other unanticipated situations.
  • May be required to work shift work or extended hours.
  • Conducts Health Physics Hygiene related training for peers as well as site personnel.
  • Implement radiological program procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
  • Control and maintain HP instruments including but not limited to inventory, performing or shipping offsite for periodic calibrations and maintenance, and performing daily use calibrations.
  • Review and provide guidance on work documents (e.g., work packages, test plans/instructions, procedures) pertaining work that has radiological hygiene hazards.

Required Skills & Abilities
  • Accredited Health Physics or Industrial Hygiene, Safety, and Health training or certification (i.e. DOE core or INPO program) or maintain active registration through the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT); or 4+ years of Health Physics and Safety and / or Industrial Hygiene experience at a uranium facility (uranium enrichment, fuel fabrication, etc.).
  • The candidate must be able to work onsite in Oak Ridge, TN.
  • Must possess and maintain a DOE "Q" level security clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.

Educational Requirements
  • Associates degree in Industrial Hygiene, Safety and Health, Biological or Physical Science fields OR combined equivalent of related education and experience such as DOE core, INPO program, or maintain active registration through the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT).

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