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Health Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$74K/yr

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: 1. Degree: natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science ...

$74K/yr

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: 1. Degree: natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science ...

$74K/yr

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: 1. Degree: natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science ...

$74K/yr

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: 1. Degree: natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science ...

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Health Physicist information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do health physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for health physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.
What cities are hiring for Health Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Health Physicist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Health Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Health Physicist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Health Physicist jobs? The top employers for Health Physicist jobs are:
What states have the most Health Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Health Physicist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Health Physicist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Health Physicist

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 518 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
This is a Direct Hire Solicitation. This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions.
BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
1. Degree: natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and/or calculus.
OR
2. Combination of education and experience --
courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or other education; or certification as a health physicist by the American Board of Health Physics, plus appropriate experience and other education that provided an understanding of sciences applicable to health physics comparable to that described in paragraph A.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below.
GS-11: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing environmental physical science, environmental engineering, or health physics duties; applying standard practices of related disciples as they relate to health physics or engineering functions.
GS-12: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes conducting reviews and ensures laboratory radiochemistry procedures are compliant with regulations and license requirements; developing and implementing laboratory training programs and conduct classes.
GS-13: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing scientific and technical expert in the areas of chemical, biological, radiological effects on response operations; collaborating projects and coordinating work with others; attending meetings and conferences and presenting technical papers.
GS-14: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes providing technical health physics expertise in all areas; supervising the licensing actions; reviewing and revising the existing policy guidance directives to ensure compliance applicable to federal radiation related regulations.
GS-15:Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-14, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes developing fundamental approaches and applying broad health physicist expertise to identify adverse health impacts; providing professional and expert technical direction and assessment in all areas of health physics.
To view qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and experience, click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/health-physics-series-1306/
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of health physics principles, practices, techniques and procedures to effectively perform project development, execution, training and advisory services. Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and other guidance to make decisions and recommendations concerning assigned and/or integration principles and practices; and health, safety, and security practices.
  2. Skill to integrate in an interdisciplinary team of professionals to include public health specialists, physical scientists, biological scientists, environmental engineers, regulators, and other governmental officials and community groups. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy. Communicate with a technical and lay community which may be either supportive or antagonistic.
  3. Knowledge and skill required to resolve environmental problems that require the investigation of radiation contamination or other questionable conditions. Ability to assist in identifying problems and provide necessary technical support to resolve issues. Must be capable of assisting with economic analysis to determine the feasibility of acquisitions and determine the most economical means of satisfying organizational and regulatory requirements.
  4. Knowledge and skill to accomplish environmental sampling for analysis and maintain contact with laboratory that is providing analytical services. Ability to interpret analytical results to determine proper disposal method.
  5. Ability to track radiation hazards, controls and evaluations in recognized Occupational and Environmental Health database.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER

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