What it is
Radiation oncologists treat cancer using radiation therapy, designing and delivering precise treatments and managing patients through their cancer care.
What you do
They plan and oversee radiation treatment, coordinate with medical and surgical oncologists, and manage side effects for cancer patients.
Training path & length
5-year residency (after a preliminary year).
Fellowship subspecialties
Subspecialty focus comes through practice (e.g., pediatric, brachytherapy, or site-specific cancers) rather than a long list of formal fellowships.
Pay & job outlook
Physicians are among the highest-paid professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median wage of $275,930 for physicians and surgeons (May 2025), with employment projected to grow about 4% from 2025 to 2035 and ~22,100 openings per year. Pay varies widely by specialty — procedural and surgical fields generally earn more, primary-care and pediatric fields less.
Radiation oncologists earn well above the physician median.
How to get there
Become a physician first: earn an MD or DO, then match into this residency through the national match. Licensure requires completing residency and passing the board exams.
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Key facts
- Residency5 years
- TreatsCancer via radiation therapy
- Works withMedical & surgical oncology teams
- PayWell above the physician median
- EntryMD or DO via the match