Radiation Oncologists’ Salaries: An International Perspective

Radiation oncologists are crucial in the global fight against cancer, applying advanced radiotherapy techniques to save lives. However, radiation oncologists’ salaries significantly vary across different countries and regions. National healthcare systems, economic development, and local demand for expertise influence this disparity in radiation oncologist earnings.

This article delves into the diverse earning potentials of radiation oncologists worldwide, exploring the myriad factors influencing their compensation, from healthcare system structures and economic development to regional demand and individual experience. Understanding these international disparities is crucial for both aspiring professionals and policymakers aiming to ensure equitable access to this essential medical expertise.

US Salaries

As of mid-2025, average annual salaries for radiation oncologists in the US range broadly, from approximately $284,000 (ZipRecruiter) to over $547,000 (Doximity 2023 data). Some top earners can exceed $800,000 annually, with private practice partners potentially earning over $1 million. The average hourly pay reported by ZipRecruiter in June 2025 is around $177.

Geographical Region

Location significantly impacts earning potential. The Southern region of the US generally offers the highest average salary at $425,000 per year, while the Eastern region reports the lowest average median wage at $123,000 yearly. States like Alaska ($401,826) and Oregon ($401,557) are consistently among the top earners, with some metropolitan regions such as Nome, AK ($456,609), Berkeley, CA ($450,699), and Berlin Corners, VT ($449,878) also showing significantly higher averages. Conversely, states like Georgia ($283,629), Louisiana ($283,465), West Virginia ($261,031), and Florida ($251,014) tend to have lower average salaries.

Most (9 out of 10) of radiation oncologists work in urban and suburban areas, leading to a shortage of oncologists in rural areas (70% of US counties lacked access to a medical oncologist in 2022). States facing such shortages (e.g., Wyoming, Oklahoma, Mississippi) may offer loan forgiveness programs as incentives, though eligibility often prioritizes primary care physicians.

Experience and Training

Salaries typically increase with experience. While entry-level positions might be in the $240,000 – $280,000 range, experienced professionals (10+ years) can earn well over $350,000, and those with 20+ years average closer to $400,000. Extensive education, board certification, and continuous medical education are crucial for higher earning potential.

Workplace Setting

Private practice often offers higher earning potential due to direct links to revenue generation and specialized treatments, though it comes with higher operational costs and administrative responsibilities. In contrast, hospital employment typically provides a more stable salary (ranging from $250,000 to $350,000) with fewer administrative burdens. Academic medical centers also offer competitive compensation.

Gender Wage Gap

While radiation oncology has one of the smaller gender wage gaps compared to other specialties, it persists. The Doximity 2023 Physician Compensation Report indicated that female radiation oncologists earn an average of 9% less than their male counterparts (approximately $498,000 vs. $547,000 annually). This is a narrower gap than the overall physician gender wage gap of 26%.

Performance-Based Incentives

A substantial number of radiation oncologists (around 72%) have opportunities for incentive bonuses, such as signing bonuses or performance-based incentives tied to Work Relative Value Units (wRVUs). Exceeding minimum wRVU targets can lead to additional compensation.

Australia Radiation Oncologists’  Salaries

The average salary for a Radiation Oncologist in Australia in 2025 varies depending on the source and the specific role. For instance, Payscale reports an average of AU$275,000 per year, with a typical range between AU$200,000andAU$403,000. SalaryExpert indicates an average gross salary of AU$413,926 for a medical oncologist (often encompassing clinical/radiation oncologists)

Geographical Region

Location plays a significant role in determining a radiation oncologist’s salary in Australia. While specific state-by-state average figures are not always consistently detailed for radiation oncologists specifically across all sources, general trends for medical specialists indicate variations. Major metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer salaries at the higher end of the spectrum, driven by higher demand and cost of living. However, some rural or underserved regions may offer competitive compensation packages, including higher pay or additional benefits like relocation assistance, to attract talents.

Experience and Seniority

Experience is a crucial determinant of salary for radiation oncologists in Australia. An entry-level radiation oncologist with 1-3 years of experience typically earns around AU$125,000 annually. This figure rises considerably with tenure; a mid-career professional with 5-9 years of experience can expect an average total compensation of AU$262,012, while a senior-level radiation oncologist with 8 or more years of experience can earn an average salary of approximately AU$553,797. Consultant Radiation Oncologist salaries reflect this progression, with the higher end of the AU$250,000-AU$500,000+ range typically reserved for highly experienced individuals. Registrars or trainees in Radiation Oncology generally earn between AU$30,000andAU$180,000.

Workplace Setting and Specialization

Radiation oncologists in Australia can work in either the public or private healthcare sectors, which influences their earning potential. While public hospitals offer structured salaries and benefits like superannuation, private sector oncologists often have higher earning capacity derived from direct patient care revenues and service fees. Private practices may also offer bonuses and profit-sharing arrangements.

Academic oncologists, who balance clinical duties with teaching and research, generally earn less than their private-sector counterparts, with academic salaries influenced by university budgets, grants, and endowments. Within oncology, sub-specialization and advanced certifications (e.g., in specific cancer types or cutting-edge treatments) can also lead to higher remuneration due to the specialized skills and knowledge required. Locum work is another avenue that offers significantly higher daily rates and flexibility, often covering travel and accommodation costs.

Career Progression and Outlook

Radiation oncology remains a high-demand specialty in Australia, contributing to competitive salaries. Doctors can enhance their earning potential through continuous education, gaining further certifications, networking, and potentially moving between public and private sectors or undertaking locum roles. The overall landscape suggests a rewarding career with significant financial prospects for experienced and specialized radiation oncologists in Australia.

Japan Radiation Oncologists’ Salaries

As of mid-2025, the average gross salary for a radiation oncologist in Japan is estimated to be around ¥28,077,409 JPY per year, which includes an average bonus of approximately ¥1,892,417 JPY. However, there can be significant variations based on location within Japan. For instance, in Tokyo, the average gross salary for a radiation oncologist is notably higher, at approximately ¥38,773,788 JPY per year, including an average bonus of ¥2,613,353 JPY. This translates to an equivalent hourly rate of about ¥18,641 JPY in Tokyo.

Geographical Region

Location plays a substantial role in determining a radiation oncologist’s salary in Japan. As highlighted, salaries in major metropolitan areas like Tokyo are considerably higher than the national average. While detailed regional breakdowns for radiation oncologists specifically are not extensively available, the general trend for doctors in Japan shows that cities like Tokyo (averaging ¥18,479,600 JPY for medical doctors), Nagoya (¥17,519,700 JPY), Osaka (¥16,679,800 JPY), and Kyoto (¥16,079,800 JPY) tend to offer higher compensation. This is often attributed to factors such as higher demand for specialized services, a greater concentration of advanced medical facilities, and the higher cost of living in these urban centers.

Experience and Seniority

Experience is a critical determinant of salary for radiation oncologists in Japan. An entry-level radiation oncologist, typically with 1-3 years of experience, can expect an average annual salary of around ¥18,593,750 JPY nationally, or approximately ¥25,680,229 JPY in Tokyo. As their experience grows, so does their earning potential. A senior-level radiation oncologist, defined as having 8 or more years of experience, can see their average annual salary rise significantly to about ¥37,448,535 JPY nationally, and up to ¥51,714,941 JPY in Tokyo. This clear progression reflects the increasing expertise, patient trust, and responsibilities that come with years of practice in this specialized field.

Workplace Setting and Specialization

The type of institution where a radiation oncologist works also impacts their salary. Doctors in private hospitals or clinics in Japan often receive higher compensation due to the profitability of these institutions. Salaries can vary based on the hospital’s size, reputation, and the specific services offered.

For instance, some specific organizations or university hospitals might offer distinct salary ranges; for general medical doctors, average annual salaries at institutions like Tokyo University might be ¥20,000,000-¥22,000,000 JPY, while at Juntendo University Hospital, they could range from ¥30,075,000-¥40,005,000 JPY. Academic positions, such as a Professor at a research institute, might start from around ¥7,000,000 JPY annually, with potential for increases based on experience. Highly specialized roles or leadership positions within a department would also command higher remuneration.

Career Progression and Outlook

The field of radiation oncology in Japan offers significant financial prospects that grow with experience and specialization. While specific data on gender pay gaps within this particular specialty in Japan is not readily available, the broader context of the Japanese workforce and medical profession suggests that such factors might contribute to earning variations. Overall, the career path for radiation oncologists in Japan is well-compensated, particularly for those who gain extensive experience and practice in major urban centers.

UK Radiation Oncologists’  Salaries

As of July 2, 2025, various sources provide slightly different figures for radiation oncologist salaries in the United Kingdom, indicating a range based on specific roles and experience levels. One statistic suggests an average annual salary of £100,891, which translates to approximately £8,408 per month, £1,940 per week, or £49.85 per hour. The lowest annual salary reported for this general “Radiation oncology” profession is around £95,001, with the highest reaching £106,542.

However, for the more senior role of “Consultant in Clinical Oncology,” salaries are considerably higher. An average gross salary for a radiation oncologist in the UK is estimated at £179,068 per year (SalaryExpert), with entry-level professionals (1-3 years of experience) earning around £118,774, and senior professionals (8+ years of experience) reaching approximately £239,189, in addition to an average bonus of £12,069. Consultant Clinical Oncologists within the NHS in England start at a basic salary of £105,504 and can progress to £139,882 after 14 years of experience. Other data indicates consultant salaries can range up to £145,478 annually for experienced roles.

Geographical Region

Salaries for clinical oncologists in the UK exhibit notable variations across different regions and even within specific cities, influenced by local demand and cost of living. For instance, while the overall average for “Radiation oncology” in London is cited as £53,925 by one source (potentially referring to a broader range of roles like therapeutic radiographers), “Consultant in Clinical Oncology” in the City of London shows a higher average of £187,000. Exceptional figures are also reported for locations like Swansea and Inverness in Scotland, both at £253,000 annually, which may reflect specific recruitment needs or incentives.

Within the NHS, consultant basic salaries vary across the UK’s four nations for 2025: starting at £105,504 in England, £107,144 in Scotland, £106,000 in Wales, and £88,799 in Northern Ireland. The maximum basic salaries also differ, reaching £139,882 in England, £142,369 in Scotland, £154,760 in Wales, and £119,723 in Northern Ireland, illustrating the impact of national pay structures.

Experience and Seniority

Experience is a paramount factor in determining a clinical oncologist’s salary in the UK, especially within the structured NHS pay scales. Newly appointed consultants typically begin at the starting basic salary. Their earnings then progressively increase through defined pay thresholds, which are directly tied to the number of years they have completed as a consultant. For example, in England, a consultant’s basic pay can increase from £105,504 to £111,714 after 3 years, £114,894 after 4 years, £126,018 after 8 years, and finally to £139,882 after 14 years of service. Training salaries for Specialty Registrars (ST3+) in medical and clinical oncology are around £55,329, with additional allowances based on working patterns.

Workplace Setting and Specialization

The majority of clinical oncologists in the UK are employed within the NHS, which operates on national pay frameworks for consultants and other medical grades. Beyond basic salaries, these roles often include an exceptional pension scheme and generous paid leave. While specific average figures for private practice are less commonly published, private work opportunities exist and can significantly supplement NHS income. The core role of a consultant clinical oncologist has a defined pay scale, but highly specialized areas within oncology or leadership positions may lead to further remuneration through additional programmed activities (PAs) or specific allowances. Locum consultant roles can also offer varying rates, with some being fixed (e.g., £116,600 in Wales) and others varying by experience and demand.

Read OncoDaily’s Special Article About Radiation Oncologists

Written By Aren Karapetyan, MD