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Radiation Protection Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Compliance with State and Accrediting Organization requirements in regard to radiation safety and protection, to protect patients and staff. 2) Maintains licensure and demonstrates evidence of. 1) ...

Radiation Therapist

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$40.55 - $59.30/hr

Radiation Oncology Schedule: Day shift | Part-time Salary range: $40.55 - $59.30 per hour How you ... protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For ...

Ability to explain radiographic positioning, exposure factors, radiation protection principles, and image quality evaluation while preparing radiologic technology graduates for ARRT certification and ...

Ability to explain radiographic positioning, exposure factors, radiation protection principles, and image quality evaluation while preparing radiologic technology graduates for ARRT certification and ...

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Radiation Protection information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$19

$44

$73

How much do radiation protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for radiation protection in Chicago, IL is $44.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.75 and $56.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is radiation protection?

Radiation protection professionals, also known as health physicists or radiation safety officers, are specialists who ensure the safe use of radiation and radioactive materials in medical, industrial, research, and nuclear settings. Their primary responsibility is to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation by monitoring exposure levels, implementing safety protocols, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They also educate staff, respond to radiation emergencies, and maintain records of radiation usage and incidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in radiation protection?

To thrive in Radiation Protection, you need a solid understanding of radiation physics, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a degree in health physics, nuclear engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with dosimetry equipment, radiation detection instruments, and certifications such as Certified Health Physicist (CHP) are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals assess hazards and convey safety information clearly. These skills are essential to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials and protect workers and the public from radiation exposure.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in radiation protection, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Radiation Protection often encounter challenges such as staying updated with evolving safety regulations, effectively communicating risks to non-technical staff, and ensuring strict compliance in fast-paced or high-risk environments. Addressing these challenges involves continuous professional development, clear documentation, and regular training sessions for all personnel. Building strong collaboration with other departments and maintaining open communication channels also help in fostering a culture of safety and compliance.

What is the difference between Radiation Protection vs Radiation Technologist?

AspectRadiation ProtectionRadiation Technologist
CertificationsCertified Health Physicist, Radiation Safety OfficerARRT Certification, Radiologic Technologist License
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, medical, nuclear facilities focusing on safety protocolsHospitals, clinics performing diagnostic imaging
Primary FocusEnsuring safety and compliance with radiation regulationsPerforming diagnostic imaging procedures

Radiation Protection professionals focus on safety, compliance, and radiation risk management, often working in regulatory or industrial settings. Radiation Technologists primarily operate imaging equipment in medical environments. While both roles involve radiation, their responsibilities, certifications, and work environments differ significantly.

How hard is it to become a radiation protection technician?

Becoming a radiation protection technician typically requires completing a relevant post-secondary program or certification, gaining knowledge of radiation safety principles, and often obtaining state or federal licensing or certification. The job involves understanding radiation hazards, using detection tools, and following safety protocols, which requires technical training and attention to detail.

How to get a job in radiation protection?

To get a job in radiation protection, candidates typically need a relevant degree such as health physics, radiological science, or a related field, along with certification like the Certified Health Physicist (CHP) or Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in medical, industrial, or research settings is also valuable. Strong understanding of radiation safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and safety equipment is essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Radiation Protection jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Radiation Protection jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Radiation Protection jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Radiation Protection job openings:

Infographic showing various Radiation Protection job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,553 per year, or $44 per hour.

Radiation Therapist-Radiation Oncology Full Time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

$43.03/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 390 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
**This is a full time position at 40 hours per week located at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. The schedule is approximately 8am to 4:30p. **
The Radiation Therapist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Responsibilities:
  • Instructs and prepares patients for radiation therapy or simulations.
  • Demonstrates overall knowledge of treatments and use of pertinent equipment.
  • Prepare supplies and equipment necessary for positioning and accuracy of treatment.
  • Assesses patient pain interfering with treatments. Make appropriate physician contact for intervention.
  • Rooms patients and provides direct patient care under the supervision of a physician, and/or direction of an RN/LPN. Records medical histories.
  • Prepares patients for treatments and considers specific patient needs; administers care according to individual age and abilities.
  • Adheres to all departmental and radiation safety policies and procedures. Maintains infection control standards for treatment/procedure rooms and areas where patient care services are delivered. Cleans, disinfects, changes linen etc.

Qualifications
Required
  • Graduate of an accredited Radiation Therapy program
  • IEMA/IDNS in Radiation Therapy Technology. New graduates need within 3 months of graduation.
  • ARRT Licensure or eligibility for licensure. New graduates need within 3 months of graduation,

Preferred
  • Bachelor of Science

Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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