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Rso information

See Tennessee salary details

$30K

$74K

$110.7K

How much do rso jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for rso in Tennessee is $73,964.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $87,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RSO?

RSOs, or Radiation Safety Officers, are professionals responsible for ensuring the safe use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment within an organization. They oversee compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, develop safety protocols, conduct training, and monitor radiation levels to protect workers and the public. RSOs play a critical role in preventing unnecessary radiation exposure and maintaining a safe working environment in industries such as healthcare, research, and nuclear energy.

What are common challenges RSOs face when implementing safety protocols across diverse departments?

Radiation Safety Officers often work with a variety of teams, such as medical staff, researchers, and facility management, each with differing levels of radiation knowledge and compliance motivation. One challenge is ensuring consistent adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements amid varying operational needs and priorities. RSOs must regularly conduct training, audits, and clear communication to bridge these gaps, as well as adapt protocols to suit specialized equipment or procedures. Building strong relationships and fostering a culture of safety across departments is key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Rso vs Safety Coordinator?

AspectRsoSafety Coordinator
Required CertificationsOSHA 30-hour, HAZWOPER, RSO certificationOSHA 10/30-hour, safety training, sometimes HAZWOPER
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilities, hazardous areasOffice, site inspections, safety meetings
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, industrialVarious industries, corporate safety programs

The main difference between an RSO (Radiation Safety Officer) and a Safety Coordinator is their focus area. RSOs specialize in radiation safety, handling hazardous materials, and compliance with radiation regulations, often working in industrial or medical settings. Safety Coordinators oversee overall workplace safety, including policies, training, and inspections across various industries. Both roles require safety certifications, but RSOs have specific expertise in radiation safety, making their roles distinct yet complementary in safety management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RSO?

To thrive as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), you need a solid background in radiation physics, regulatory compliance, and health physics, often supported by a relevant science degree and specialized RSO training or certification. Familiarity with radiation detection instruments, dosimetry systems, and regulatory reporting software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills are crucial for ensuring safety and regulatory adherence. These skills ensure the safe handling of radioactive materials, compliance with legal standards, and the protection of personnel and the environment.
What are popular job titles related to Rso jobs in Tennessee? For Rso jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rso jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Rso jobs in Tennessee are:
Rso jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rso job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,964 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Radiation Safety Officer- Nuclear Medicine Unit

Cookeville Regional Medical Center

Cookeville, TN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Cookeville Regional Medical Center rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

594th of 1,054 rated hospitals

Job description

The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) has the authority, duties and responsibilities to ensure radiological safety and compliance with State of Tennessee Division of Radiological Health, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Department of Transportation regulations and conditions specified in the facilities Radioactive Material License. Additional responsibilities include monitoring the safe use of any and all forms of ionizing radiation for the facility.
The RSO must have sufficient authority to:
• Implement the written Radiation Protection Program
• Identify radiation safety issues
• Initiate, recommend, or provide corrective actions, if warranted
• Terminate unsafe operations with backing of administration
• Verify implementation of corrective actions
• Must be allocated sufficient time and institutional support to perform duties
The RSO has the responsibility to:
• Implement and oversee all operational aspects of the Radiation Protection Program
• Ensure that radiological activities are being performed in a safe manner and in accordance with RAM license directives, modality approved procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Help identify, investigate, and correct radiation safety issues
• Respond to any radiation safety reports to the RSO
• Initiate, recommend, or provide corrective action for identified safety issues
• Verify implementation of corrective action
• Stop operations identified as unsafe
• Notify management and Radiation Safety Committee of radiation safety issues, unsafe operations, and corrective actions
• Serve as chair of the Radiation Safety Committee and schedule meetings.
• Serve as a liaison between Radiation Safety Committee and users of ionizing radiation
• Serve as a liaison between licensee and regulatory agencies
• Be available for contact by facility staff per regulations and license conditions
• Ensure that sealed-source leak tests and inventory of sealed sources are performed in accordance with specifications in the RAM License
• Maintain the Radioactive Material License (RAM) including timely renewals, amendments, and adding authorized users to the license
• Provide departmental specific education in the safe use of ionizing radiation
• Coordinate with Education Department to ensure employees have initial and annual training in radiation safety through Healthstream program
• Educate “Declared pregnant works” at time of declaration of pregnancy
• If RSO permanently discontinues performance of duties, he/she shall notify licensee and regulatory agency in writing 30 days before ending duties
Other duties as assigned.

Education:  Radiation Safety Officer must have a BS Degree or higher in medical physics or health physics or a related scientific discipline. Certified and licensed in Nuclear Medicine or related medical field involving use of ionizing radiation.  Ability to be approved by the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Radiological Health as a Radiation Safety Officer on the facility’s radioactive Material License. BLS required.

Experience:  3+ years’ experience as an RSO, Associate/ Assistant RSO, diagnostic imaging physicist, medical physicist, health physicist, nuclear medicine technologist, or a similar role in a clinical setting using radioactive materials and radiation producing equipment

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