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 verified physician data to help you make an informed decision.
See how Oncologist salaries, lifestyle metrics, and training requirements compare to Radiation Oncologist data from verified submissions 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Training Length | 3yr IM residency + 3yr fellowship | 5-year residency |
| Practitioner Title | Oncologist | Radiation Oncologist |
| Live Salary Data | View Hematology Oncology salary → | View Radiation Oncology salary → |
| Lifestyle Rating | See details below | See details below |
Salary figures are updated in real-time on each specialty page from verified physician submissions.
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: 37 days/year
Satisfaction & Lifestyle by the Numbers
Based on 49 verified physician submissions across both specialties.
| Metric | Hematology Oncology | Radiation Oncology |
|---|---|---|
| Career Satisfaction | — | 3.9/5 |
| Would Choose Again | — | 94% |
| Avg Hours/Week | — | 49 |
| Takes Call | — | 81% |
| Avg Call Days/Month | — | — |
| Avg PTO Days/Year | — | 37 |
| Physician Submissions | — | 49 submissions |
“Phenomenal Work-life balance, have most weekends off and a dedicated day for didactics”— Radiation Oncology Physician
Practice Setting Distribution
Where Hematology Oncology and Radiation Oncology physicians work, based on verified salary submissions. Practice setting significantly impacts both compensation and day-to-day lifestyle.
Radiation Oncology
Based on 49 verified submissions
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
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