ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Radioactive Materials Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Washington

Health Physicist

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

Radioactive Material Shipping and Receiving Program (20%) • Manage and administer the safety program that ensures the shipment and receipt of packages containing radioactive material is conducted ...

Uw

Health Physicist

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

Radioactive Material Shipping and Receiving Program (20%) Manage and administer the safety program that ensures the shipment and receipt of packages containing radioactive material is conducted in ...

University of Missouri

Health Physicist

Columbia, MO · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Nuclear Regulatory Commission, authorizing the clinical and research use of radioactive materials across the University Hospital, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the main campus. This ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRadioactive Materials Jobs

Radioactive Materials information

See salary details

$18

$30

$41

How much do radioactive materials jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for radioactive materials 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Radioactive Materials Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Radioactive Materials Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, physics, or a related science, generally supported by a relevant degree or certification in radiological safety. Familiarity with radiation detection instruments, dosimetry, and regulatory compliance systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills are crucial for ensuring safe handling and effective teamwork. These competencies are vital for ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining safety, and preventing hazardous exposure in environments where radioactive materials are used.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the field of radioactive materials, high-paying roles such as nuclear engineers, health physicists, and radiation safety managers can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require specialized knowledge of radiation safety, nuclear technology, and regulatory compliance, and may involve working in research, government agencies, or nuclear power plants.

What is the highest paying job in the nuclear field?

In the nuclear field, senior reactor operators and nuclear engineers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These roles require advanced technical skills, certifications, and extensive experience working with nuclear systems and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Radioactive Materials vs Nuclear Medicine Technologists?

AspectRadioactive MaterialsNuclear Medicine Technologists
CertificationsRadiation Safety Certifications, DOE or NRC licensesCertified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT), ARRT certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, research facilities handling radioactive substancesHospitals, clinics, imaging centers performing diagnostic procedures
Industry UsageUsed in research, energy, manufacturing, and medical applicationsUsed in medical imaging to produce diagnostic images

Radioactive Materials involve handling and managing radioactive substances across various industries, including research and manufacturing. Nuclear Medicine Technologists specifically focus on using radioactive materials for medical imaging to diagnose and treat patients. While both roles require knowledge of radiation safety and certifications, their work environments and primary functions differ significantly.

What are radioactive materials?

Radioactive materials are substances that emit radiation as a result of the decay of unstable atomic nuclei. These materials can be naturally occurring, like uranium and radon, or artificially produced in laboratories and nuclear reactors. Radioactive materials are used in various industries, including medicine for imaging and cancer treatment, energy production, and scientific research. Handling them requires strict safety protocols to protect people and the environment from harmful radiation exposure.

What can you do with radioactive material?

Radioactive materials are used in various jobs such as medical imaging, cancer treatment, industrial radiography, and scientific research. Workers handling these materials must follow strict safety protocols, use protective equipment, and often require specialized training and certifications to ensure safe handling and disposal.

What jobs work with radiation?

Jobs that work with radiation include radiation therapists, nuclear medicine technologists, health physicists, radiologic technologists, and nuclear power plant operators. These roles require specialized training, safety protocols, and often certifications to handle radioactive materials and equipment safely in medical, industrial, or energy settings.

What are some typical safety protocols that professionals working with radioactive materials must follow on a daily basis?

Professionals handling radioactive materials are required to follow strict safety protocols to minimize exposure and ensure a safe working environment. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), using shielding and containment devices, adhering to proper storage and disposal procedures, and routinely monitoring radiation levels with specialized equipment. Additionally, they must maintain detailed records of material usage and participate in regular safety training and emergency drills. Collaborating closely with health physicists and safety officers is also common to ensure all regulations and best practices are upheld.
More about Radioactive Materials jobs
What states have the most Radioactive Materials jobs? States with the most job openings for Radioactive Materials jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Radioactive Materials jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Radioactive Materials jobs are:
Radioactive Materials jobs near you
Infographic showing various Radioactive Materials job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,559 per year, or $30.1 per hour.
Radiation Safety Officer

Radiation Safety Officer

PERMA FIX ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC

Oakland, CA • On-site

$125K - $130K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description

Exempt - This position is responsible for ensuring that all terms and conditions of the radioactive materials license and the applicable state or federal regulations are being complied with; provide training of staff and workers regarding all basic principles of radiation; functions as the chief liaison with the appropriate competent authorities; and preparing and obtaining the proper amendments, as necessary, to assure the optimum operation of the facility.


Duties

Ensure that all terms and conditions of the radioactive materials license and the applicable radiation/radioactive material regulations are met. 

Ensure that all radioactive materials are being properly accounted for; and that the radioactive materials are secured against unauthorized removal.

Ensure that all radioactive materials are being used by qualified personnel who are authorized to handle radioactive materials and/or designated as a user relative to the facility license. 

Ensure that those personnel are properly monitored for total potential radiation exposures, internal and external.

Ensure that all records required by the radioactive materials license and the policies of Perma-Fix regarding radiation protection are being maintained.

Function as chief liaison with the applicable competent authorities and be responsible for preparing and obtaining the proper amendments, as necessary, to ensure the optimum operation of the facility.

Provide training to the staff and workers regarding all of the basic principles of radiation. Training is to be meaningful and accountable through testing techniques and record keeping. 

Be sufficiently familiar with counting equipment for the entire spectrum of radionuclides using an assortment of fixed laboratory counting equipment and portable survey equipment to be able to use, instruct and calibrate. 

Sufficient knowledge in computer usage and respective software.

Perform other duties as assigned

Be pro-active and solution driven as part of the site management team

Requirements

B.S. Degree in health physics or a related field, such as the natural sciences or engineering.

Minimum of ten (10) years experience in full-time radiation protection duties with at least three (3) years performing supervisory and/or RSO functions. Years of applicable experience may be substituted for educational minimal requirements.

Qualified by training and experience to protect public health, safety and the environment.  A description of this training must be submitted and approved by the applicable competent authority.

Working Conditions

May involve dangerous working conditions and long, irregular hours; may be regularly exposed to radiation, radioactive materials, hazardous materials, and chemicals; and may be required to stand and lift moderately heavy items for extended periods of time while executing supervisory and auditing roles.   Some travel or fieldwork required.  

Apply