Is Radiation Oncology a Good Career in 2026?
Treating cancer with precisely targeted radiation therapy.
Based on 44 approved physician salary reports
SalaryDr Career Intelligence
Based on 44 approved physician salary reports
Score Breakdown
Radiation Oncology Compensation & Earnings
Radiation Oncology Compensation
$595,000
$560,000 – $625,000(P25–P75)
Radiation Oncology Salary Progression
From medical school to senior attending — based on 44 approved salary reports
12 submissions
12 submissions
25 submissions
7 submissions
+10% salary growth from early career ($545,000) to mid-career ($600,000)
Estimate Your Take-Home
Based on median Radiation Oncology salary of $595K/yr
Select a state to see your estimated take-home pay
Take-Home Pay by State
How much a Radiation Oncology physician actually keeps after federal, state, and FICA taxes
Highest Take-Home States
Lowest Take-Home States
Tax impact: A Radiation Oncology physician keeps $54,740 more per year in Alaska vs. California — a 9.2% difference on gross income of $595,000.
Assumes single filer, standard deduction, W-2 employment. State rates from Tax Foundation 2025. Gross salaries from BLS OEWS May 2024. FICA includes Social Security (6.2% up to $168,600) and Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% above $200K). Actual take-home varies with deductions, filing status, and local taxes.
How does your compensation compare?
Benchmark yourself against 44 approved radiation oncology salary reports — add yours in 2 minutes and see your percentile instantly.
Career Lifestyle
Career Reality: By the Numbers
Real data from 44 Radiation Oncology physician reports — not job board estimates.
Job Market & Future Outlook
How Hard Is It to Match Into Radiation Oncology?
Radiation Oncology is relatively accessible with a 97.5% match rate for U.S. MD seniors. There were 0.60 applicants per position (122 applicants for 203 spots). Matched applicants had significantly higher Step 2 CK scores (252 vs 242).
Match Rate by Step 2 CK Score
What Differentiates Matched Applicants
| Metric | Matched | Unmatched |
|---|---|---|
| Step 2 CK | 252 | 242 |
| Research Experiences | 4.2 | 2.0 |
| Publications | 16 | 14 |
| AOA Members | 16% | 0% |
| Programs Ranked | 16 | 1 |
Data from Charting Outcomes in the Match, National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), 2024. U.S. MD seniors. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Training & Getting Started
4 years of post-medical-school training, with subspecialty fellowship options
Subspecialty Fellowships
Physicians Also Consider
Explore Radiation Oncology
Take the Next Step in Your Radiation Oncology Career
Real, physician-reported compensation data. Know your market value before your next contract negotiation.
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Career Score methodology: salarydr.com/methodology
According to SalaryDr Career Intelligence data from 44 approved reports by Radiation Oncologists (as of November 2026), the Physician Career Score for Radiation Oncology is 72/100. Median total compensation is $595,000, career satisfaction is 3.9/5, and 93% would choose the specialty again.