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Health Physics Jobs in Virginia (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 ...

Environmental Safety & Health Manager (OCONUS)

Reston, VA · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

Bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health, Fire Protection Engineering,Industrial Hygiene, Health Physics, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related discipline. * Must ...

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Health Physics information

See Virginia salary details

$18

$29

$40

How much do health physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for health physics in Virginia is $29.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $38.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Health Physics vs Radiation Safety Technician?

AspectHealth PhysicsRadiation Safety Technician
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CHP), degree in health physics or related fieldTraining in radiation safety, often certification or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, nuclear power plants, hospitals, government agenciesIndustrial sites, medical facilities, laboratories
Industry UsagePrimarily in nuclear, healthcare, and research sectorsMedical, industrial, and environmental sectors

Health Physics and Radiation Safety Technicians both work to ensure radiation safety, but health physicists typically have advanced education and certifications, focusing on radiation protection and regulatory compliance. Radiation Safety Technicians often perform routine monitoring and support safety protocols under supervision. While their roles overlap, health physics professionals usually handle more complex assessments and policy development.

What is a health physicist?

A health physicist is a professional who specializes in radiation safety, ensuring the protection of people and the environment from harmful effects of radiation. They often work in nuclear facilities, hospitals, or research settings, using tools like radiation detectors and following safety protocols. Certification from organizations such as the American Board of Health Physics is common in this field.

Are health physicists in demand?

Health physicists are in steady demand due to their expertise in radiation safety, nuclear power, medical imaging, and environmental protection. Employment opportunities are often available in government agencies, healthcare facilities, and nuclear industries, with a need for certifications such as the Certified Health Physicist (CHP).

What can you do with a health physics degree?

A health physics degree prepares individuals for roles focused on radiation safety, protection, and regulation in medical, nuclear, and research settings. Professionals in this field often work as radiation safety officers, compliance specialists, or environmental health physicists, utilizing skills in radiation measurement, safety protocols, and regulatory standards.
What are popular job titles related to Health Physics jobs in Virginia? For Health Physics jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Health Physics jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Health Physics job openings:
Infographic showing various Health Physics job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,023 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

$74K/yr

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Re-posted 17 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 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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