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Radiation Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MD Anderson

Open Rank - Radiation Physics

Houston, TX · On-site

The Department of Radiation Physics at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas is seeking a clinically oriented Therapeutic Medical Physicist for a full time PhD faculty ...

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How much do radiation physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for radiation physics in the United States is $30.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $38.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is radiation physics?

Radiation physics is a branch of physics that studies the properties and behavior of radiation, including its production, interaction with matter, and detection. It is essential in fields such as medical imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear power, and environmental monitoring. Radiation physicists play a key role in ensuring the safe use of radiation in healthcare and industry by developing protocols, calibrating equipment, and monitoring exposure levels. Their work helps protect both people and the environment from the potential hazards of radiation.

What is the highest paid job in physics?

In physics, roles such as medical physicists, nuclear physicists, and research scientists often have the highest salaries, especially those working in industry or with advanced degrees and specialized skills. Positions in radiation physics, a subfield, can also be highly paid, particularly in medical or industrial settings with certifications and experience. Senior roles and those in private sector research tend to offer the highest compensation.

What is the difference between Radiation Physics vs Medical Physicist?

AspectRadiation PhysicsMedical Physicist
CredentialsDegree in physics or related field, certification in radiation safetyDegree in physics, certification in medical physics, often board-certified
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, industry, radiation safety departmentsHospitals, clinics, cancer treatment centers
Industry UsageResearch, radiation safety, nuclear industryMedical diagnosis, radiation therapy, patient safety

Radiation Physics focuses on understanding radiation behavior, safety, and applications across various industries, while Medical Physicists specialize in applying radiation principles to diagnose and treat patients in healthcare settings. Both roles require strong physics backgrounds, but Medical Physicists have additional clinical training and certifications specific to medical applications.

What does a radiation physicist do?

A radiation physicist specializes in applying physics principles to ensure the safe and effective use of radiation in medical treatments and research. They calibrate and maintain radiation equipment, develop treatment plans, and monitor radiation doses to protect patients and staff. Certification and knowledge of radiation safety protocols are essential in this role.

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

To thrive as a Radiation Physicist, you need a strong background in physics or medical physics, typically supported by an advanced degree (MS or PhD) and relevant certifications such as board certification from the American Board of Radiology. Familiarity with dosimetry software, radiation detection instruments, and safety compliance systems is essential. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with healthcare professionals and ensuring patient safety. These skills and qualifications are critical to accurately measuring, monitoring, and optimizing radiation use while protecting patients and staff.

Do nuclear physicists get paid well?

Nuclear physicists, including those working in radiation physics, generally earn competitive salaries that reflect their specialized skills and advanced education. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and employer, with many professionals working in research, healthcare, or government agencies earning a median annual wage above the national average for scientists. Advanced degrees and certifications can lead to higher compensation in this field.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals working in radiation physics within a healthcare setting?

Radiation physicists in healthcare often encounter challenges such as ensuring precise and safe delivery of radiation therapies while minimizing exposure risks to patients and staff. They must keep up with rapidly advancing technologies and comply with strict regulatory standards. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including oncologists, dosimetrists, and technologists—is essential for developing effective treatment plans. Additionally, troubleshooting complex equipment and maintaining rigorous quality assurance protocols are integral parts of the role.

What can I do with a radiation health physics degree?

A radiation health physics degree prepares individuals for roles such as health physicist, radiation safety officer, or radiation safety technician, focusing on protecting people and the environment from radiation hazards. These professionals work in hospitals, nuclear power plants, research facilities, and regulatory agencies, often requiring certifications like the Certified Health Physicist credential. The job involves monitoring radiation levels, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and using instruments like dosimeters and survey meters.
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What job categories do people searching Radiation Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Radiation Physics jobs are:
Radiation Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Radiation Physics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,559 per year, or $30.1 per hour.
Open Rank - Radiation Physics

Open Rank - Radiation Physics

MD Anderson

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support external beam and brachytherapy treatments at the main campus in Houston.

  • Participate in quality assurance for EBRT treatment machines, CT-simulators, and HDR and PDR units.

  • Participate in research programs and in educational programs for graduate students and trainees.

MD Anderson Cancer Center rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 165 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

The Department of Radiation Physics at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas is seeking a clinically oriented Therapeutic Medical Physicist for a full time PhD faculty position. The candidate's primary clinical duties will be to support external beam and brachytherapy treatments at the main campus in Houston. Responsibilities will depend upon the clinical service to which the candidate is assigned but may include special procedures such as 4DCT, SRS, SBRT, IORT and PDR and HDR gynecological treatments.

The candidate will participate in quality assurance for our EBRT treatment machines, CT-simulators and HDR and PDR units. They will also participate in special projects and other assignments as needed. As a faculty member, the candidate will participate in research programs and in educational programs for graduate students and trainees.

MD Anderson is a smoke-free environment. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. Refer to the Radiation Physics web page for additional information about the department and its programs.

Requirements include a PhD in Medical Physics or Physics and ABR certification completed or in progress. Residency program graduate is preferred. Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in a large team are a must for the successful candidate.

Work Location: Onsite This position has a target base salary of $ 210,000 to $ 284,100 and is eligible for incentive compensation, comprehensive health, wellness, time off, savings, and retirement benefits, as well as relocation support, as applicable. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition. This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening

The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html Additional Information Requisition ID: 178934 Employee Status: Regular Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 0 Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 0 Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 0 FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay Work Location: Onsite #LI-Onsite Apply

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