Many radiation therapists in Australia feel unsure about their salary. The median radiation therapist salary is about $94,000 per year. Pay rises with growing skills and experience.
This guide explains the factors that shape your earnings—from your location to the number of years you work in the field. Curious about what you might earn?
Average Radiation Therapist Salary in Australia
Radiation therapists in Australia earn competitive salaries compared to other allied health professionals. Their pay reflects specialised skills and the key role they play in cancer treatment teams. The current figures are as follows:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range (AUD) | Average Hourly Rate (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | $70,000 – $85,000 | $35 – $41 |
| Mid-career (3-7 years) | $85,000 – $105,000 | $41 – $50 |
| Experienced (8-12 years) | $105,000 – $125,000 | $50 – $60 |
| Senior/Specialist (13+ years) | $125,000 – $150,000+ | $60 – $72+ |
The national average salary for radiation therapists stands at approximately $95,000 per year. This places them among the top earners in allied health. Pay rates vary by workplace. Public hospital therapists may start with a lower base while receiving excellent benefits.
Therapists who work in regional or remote areas receive location allowances. These bonuses can add between $5,000 and $20,000 to annual income. The government offers these extra incentives to attract skilled staff to areas with fewer resources.
Overtime further boosts income. Weekend shifts, on-call duties, and public holiday work pay between 1.5 and 2.5 times the standard rate. Most full-time roles require 38 hours a week, though part-time options are available.
Annual salary increases average 2-4% if you remain with the same employer. Switching jobs or gaining new certifications can lead to jumps of 5-15%. Moving up into leadership roles, such as Chief Radiation Therapist, may push earnings above $160,000 per year.
The profession is financially rewarding across Australia. Steady demand and improvements in cancer treatment help keep salaries competitive. Video: Salary Trends Overview
Salary Variations by Location and Experience
Location and length of service cause significant differences in earnings. Your salary can vary by tens of thousands depending on where you work. Here is a breakdown with specific numbers:
| Location | Entry-Level Salary (0-2 years) | Mid-Career (3-7 years) | Senior (8+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney, NSW | $75,000 – $85,000 | $90,000 – $105,000 | $110,000 – $130,000+ |
| Melbourne, VIC | $72,000 – $82,000 | $87,000 – $102,000 | $105,000 – $125,000+ |
| Brisbane, QLD | $70,000 – $80,000 | $85,000 – $100,000 | $102,000 – $120,000+ |
| Perth, WA | $74,000 – $84,000 | $88,000 – $103,000 | $105,000 – $125,000+ |
| Adelaide, SA | $68,000 – $78,000 | $82,000 – $97,000 | $100,000 – $115,000+ |
| Hobart, TAS | $65,000 – $75,000 | $80,000 – $92,000 | $95,000 – $110,000+ |
| Darwin, NT | $78,000 – $88,000 | $92,000 – $108,000 | $112,000 – $135,000+ |
| Regional Areas | $70,000 – $85,000 | $85,000 – $105,000 | $105,000 – $125,000+ |
Cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer the highest base salaries because of higher living expenses and demand. Darwin pays well too, while rural hospitals in New South Wales sometimes introduce special incentives to draw therapists from urban centres.
Experience plays a major role in shaping earnings. A new therapist might earn around $75,000, while someone with ten years in the field could receive an extra $50,000 a year. Specialists in particular treatment types or those with management roles tend to see larger increases.
Differences between the highest and lowest-paying locations may exceed $20,000. This detail has a big impact on planning your career.
Factors Influencing Radiation Therapist Salaries
A few key factors affect your earnings. Education level matters. Those with advanced qualifications or extra certifications often earn more. The work setting also influences pay; private clinics may offer a higher base salary than public hospitals.
Experience counts too, as senior radiation therapists with over five years in the field could earn up to 30% more than new graduates. The type of radiation treatment you specialise in makes a difference—more demanding work earns higher wages. Location is important as well.
For example, Sydney in New South Wales tops the list with salaries above the national average.
The job market remains strong. Salary increases tend to occur as skills grow and specializations in medical oncology or advanced radiation therapy develop. Direct research and careful analysis confirm steady improvements in pay standards. Video: Industry Insight
Conclusion
Understanding your salary as a radiation therapist in Australia requires clear facts. Most professionals earn between $90,000 and $120,000 per year. Cities like Sydney and Perth award top pay. Your experience, skills and work setting all play a part in your income.
TherapistSalary.com offers a detailed salary report to help you compare pay among radiation therapists.
The route to higher earnings starts with knowing the figures and expanding your skills.
Negotiating Your Radiation Therapist Salary
Therapists looking to boost their pay can use several strategies. Research current salary reports and industry trends. Write down a list of your achievements, certifications and extra shifts like on-call duties. Record your accomplishments and extra training to support your case.
- Check salary reports and verify figures with the report on TherapistSalary.com.
- Keep a record of your achievements and extra training in radiation therapy.
- Discuss benefits packages and extra allowances with your employer.
Career Growth and Certification Benefits
Your earnings often improve when you upgrade your certifications and add specialized skills. Therapists who update their qualifications in radiation treatments and cancer care can earn significant pay increases. Look into professional development in areas such as radiation oncology.
- Explore advanced courses and certifications to boost your career.
- Investigate roles in cities like Sydney and regional hubs in New South Wales.
- Review current job openings and trends for up-to-date insights.
Interactive Insights and Expert Opinions
A web tool lets you calculate an estimated annual salary based on your experience and location. One senior radiation therapist noted that improvements in patient care and technical skills have a direct impact on pay. Expert opinions and comparison data help therapists understand market expectations.
- Use interactive tools to compare your current pay with benchmark statistics.
- Examine figures to see how extra shifts or leadership roles can raise income.
About TherapistSalary.com
TherapistSalary.com is a trusted resource for those exploring therapist pay. The website offers clear, accurate and detailed information on salary trends. It covers comparisons of pay, factors for fair compensation and insights into differences between private practice and public hospitals.
The site also informs career exploration and reviews current job openings.
Methodology & Sources
This guide is informational and is not a substitute for professional career or financial advice. Data sources include government reports, industry salary surveys and recognised Australian healthcare data. The content was prepared using verified information available as of March 2025.
I, Mark Thompson, a certified radiation therapist and salary analyst with over 12 years of experience in healthcare, compiled the information after thorough research and by checking multiple reputable sources. The research process followed clear reference methods to guarantee reliable figures.
