Hematology Oncology vs Radiation Oncology: Salary, Lifestyle & Training (2026)
Choosing between Hematology Oncology and Radiation Oncology involves weighing compensation, training length, work-life balance, call responsibilities, and long-term career satisfaction. This comparison uses approved physician salary reports to help you make an informed decision.
See how Oncologist salaries, lifestyle metrics, and training requirements compare to Radiation Oncologist data from approved salary reports on SalaryDr. Hematology Oncology requires 3yr IM residency + 3yr fellowship, while Radiation Oncology requires 5-year residency.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hematology Oncology | Radiation Oncology |
|---|---|---|
| Median total pay | Not enough reports yet → | $585,000 → |
| Middle 50% of pay | — | $560,000 – $620,000 |
| Approved reports | — | 43 |
| Training Length | 3yr IM residency + 3yr fellowship | 5-year residency |
| Practitioner Title | Oncologist | Radiation Oncologist |
| Lifestyle Rating | See details below | See details below |
Salary figures on each specialty page are recomputed from approved physician salary reports as new reports are approved.
Training Pathway: Hematology Oncology vs Radiation Oncology
Hematology Oncology
3yr IM residency + 3yr fellowship
Hematology/Oncology requires three years of internal medicine residency plus a three-year combined fellowship. The emotional demands are significant, but the field offers impactful patient relationships and strong compensation.
Radiation Oncology
5-year residency
Radiation Oncology is a five-year residency that integrates physics, biology, and clinical oncology. The field has become more competitive as technology drives new treatment paradigms.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is one of the most important factors physicians weigh when choosing a specialty. Here is how Hematology Oncology and Radiation Oncology compare on key lifestyle dimensions.
Hematology Oncology
Emotionally demanding but improving work-life balance. Inpatient call varies.
Radiation Oncology
Very good lifestyle with predictable hours and minimal call.
- Average work week: 49 hours
- Take call: 81% of physicians
- Average PTO: 42 days/year
Satisfaction & Lifestyle by the Numbers
Based on 43 approved physician salary reports across both specialties.
| Metric | Hematology Oncology | Radiation Oncology |
|---|---|---|
| Career Satisfaction | — | 3.9/5 |
| Would Choose Again | — | 93% |
| Avg Hours/Week | — | 49 |
| Takes Call | — | 81% |
| Avg Call Days/Month | — | — |
| Avg PTO Days/Year | — | 42 |
| Physician Submissions | — | 43 submissions |
Practice Setting Distribution
Where Hematology Oncology and Radiation Oncology physicians work, based on approved salary reports. Practice setting significantly impacts both compensation and day-to-day lifestyle.
Radiation Oncology
Based on 43 approved reports
Career Outlook & Job Market
Hematology Oncology Outlook
Oncology demand continues to grow as cancer incidence increases with an aging population. Precision medicine and immunotherapy have transformed the field, creating subspecialty niches within oncology.
Radiation Oncology Outlook
Radiation Oncology has experienced market consolidation and changing treatment paradigms. Proton therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery represent growth areas, though fewer positions exist compared to other oncology subspecialties.
Compensation Growth Trajectory
Physician salaries in both Hematology Oncology and Radiation Oncology typically increase with experience, with the largest jumps in the first 5-10 years post-training. Partnership or ownership in private practice can meaningfully accelerate earnings. For detailed breakdowns, explore the Hematology Oncology and Radiation Oncology salary-by-experience pages.
Explore Deeper Data
Lifestyle & Satisfaction
Training & Residency
Related Comparisons
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