Radiation Therapist Salary: State and Industry Differences in Australia
Explore radiation therapist salary data from Tasmanian public sector awards, how it compares to national benchmarks, and the role of state and industry indices.
Radiation therapist salary varies by level and state; Tasmanian public sector rates range from $76,190 to $202,940, well above the national health care industry index of 97.8.
What Is a Radiation Therapist?
A radiation therapist operates high-energy X-rays and other radiation equipment to deliver treatment to patients, usually for cancer, under the direction of a radiation oncologist. It is a specialised role within medical imaging and therapy, classified under ANZSCO 251212. The occupation is predominantly female (75% share) with a median age of 35, and 71% work full-time, averaging 39 hours per week.
Radiation Therapist Salary: The Tasmanian Public Sector Example
The most detailed public salary data for radiation therapists comes from the Tasmanian Department of Health, which publishes award rates under the Radiation Therapists Agreement 2025. These rates apply to the Tasmanian state service and are effective from May 2026. They are structured into levels from A to 6, each with incremental years.
Entry-Level and Progression
- Level A (new graduates): Year 1 $76,190; Year 4 $82,370.
- Level 1: Year 2 $92,746; Year 6 $113,481.
- Level 2: Year 1 $116,531; Year 5 (with post-grad) $131,531.
- Level 3: Year 2 $139,014; Year 4 (diploma) $145,653.
- Level 4a (in charge): Year 2 $147,716; Year 4 (masters) $154,705.
- Level 4b: Year 2 $157,715; Year 4 (masters) $166,199.
- Level 5: Year 1 $174,317; Year 2 $184,489.
- Level 6: Year 1 $193,714; Year 2 $202,940.
These figures are full-time equivalent and include allowances for post-graduate qualifications. They show a clear progression from below the national average to well above it.
How Does This Compare to the National Index?
The Salary Index sets 100 as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which in May 2026 was $108,352 annualised. The national minimum wage is index 48.2 ($52,255). The health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, slightly below the all-industries average.
A Level A Year 1 radiation therapist in Tasmania earns $76,190, which is index 70.3 – below the industry average. But by Level 2 Year 1 ($116,531, index 107.5) they exceed the national line. Senior roles at Level 5 and above push the index to 160–187, far above typical health care earnings.
State and Industry Differences
Tasmania’s overall state index is 88.6 ($96,008), the lowest of any state. Yet the Tasmanian public sector pays its senior radiation therapists very competitively. This reflects the specialised nature of the work and the need to attract staff to a smaller state. Other states may have different award structures or enterprise agreements. For example, New South Wales employs 31.2% of medical radiation therapists, and its state index is 101.2. The states page shows how each jurisdiction compares.
The health care industry index of 97.8 suggests that, on average, health workers earn slightly less than the national line. But radiation therapists with experience and qualifications can earn significantly more, especially in senior or in-charge roles. The industries page provides more context on sector benchmarks.
What About Other Employers?
The Tasmanian award is for the public sector. Private hospitals and imaging centres may have different rates, often governed by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award or an enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for these awards, but specific rates for radiation therapists are not always listed separately. Always check your employment contract or enterprise agreement.
Superannuation and Tax Considerations
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. For a Level 6 Year 2 therapist earning $202,940, that adds $24,353 in super. Resident tax for 2026–27 uses progressive rates: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. A therapist on $202,940 would pay roughly $56,000 in tax plus 2% Medicare levy, leaving about $143,000 take-home (excluding HELP or other deductions).
Key Takeaways
- Radiation therapist salaries vary widely by level, state, and employer.
- Tasmanian public sector rates provide a concrete example, from $76,190 to $202,940.
- The national health care industry index is 97.8, but senior radiation therapists can exceed index 150.
- For the most current rates, refer to your state health department or the relevant award.
For more on how the index works, see how the index works. Explore other occupations on the topics page.
Questions people ask
What is the typical radiation therapist salary in Australia?
There is no single national figure because salaries depend on state, employer, and experience. The Tasmanian public sector award shows a range from $76,190 for a Level A Year 1 to $202,940 for a Level 6 Year 2. The national health care industry index is 97.8, slightly below the all-industries average of 100, but experienced radiation therapists often earn above that.
How does the radiation therapist salary compare to the national average?
Entry-level radiation therapists in Tasmania earn about $76,190, which is below the national average full-time ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100). However, senior therapists (Level 5 and above) earn well above that, with Level 6 Year 2 at $202,940, nearly double the national average. State indices vary: Tasmania’s overall index is 88.6, but health care industry index is 97.8.
Which awards cover radiation therapists?
Radiation therapists in the public sector are often covered by state-specific awards, such as the Tasmanian Radiation Therapists Agreement 2025 and the Health and Human Services Award. Nationally, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027] may apply. Employers may also have enterprise agreements. Always check the applicable award or agreement for your role.