Travel vs Perm Radiation Therapist Jobs
Traveling or Staff Radiation Therapist: Which Role is Right for You?
Radiation therapists play a crucial role in oncology by using radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. As with many healthcare careers, radiation therapy offers both travel and permanent job opportunities, each with its own set of benefits and challenges.
Understanding the differences between these two career paths can help you make an informed decision about which option aligns best with your career goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences. To help you weigh your options, this Soliant guide breaks down the details of each role, compares the pros and cons, and gives you a glimpse into salary and growth opportunities.
Can a Radiation Therapist Travel?
Yes, radiation therapists can take on a traveling career with travel radiation therapist jobs, which are typically short-term assignments, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Often in locations across the country, these roles offer flexibility and the chance to explore new places while continuing to work in your field.
Travel radiation therapists are employed by staffing agencies, which arrange assignments at hospitals, cancer centers, and treatment facilities in need of temporary staff. Travel therapists can work in various environments, gaining experience in different facilities and treating a diverse range of patients.
What Are Permanent Radiation Therapist Jobs?
Permanent radiation therapist jobs are full-time, long-term positions at a specific hospital or healthcare facility. In these roles, therapists’ work schedules are more predictable, often offering standard hours, benefits, and a consistent team environment. Permanent positions provide job stability, opportunities for career advancement, and the chance to build relationships with patients and colleagues over time. These roles are ideal for professionals who prefer stability and long-term growth within a single location.
Travel vs Permanent Radiation Therapist Jobs: Pros and Cons
To better understand the differences between travel and permanent radiation therapist jobs, let’s compare the key factors that might influence your decision:
| Factor | Travel Radiation Therapist | Permanent Radiation Therapist |
| Job Duration | Short-term assignments (a few weeks to several months) | Full-time, long-term employment |
| Location | Flexibility to work in various cities or states | Fixed location at one healthcare facility |
| Work Schedule | Flexible, often with varying hours based on assignment | Standard working hours (day shifts, weekends, etc.) |
| Compensation | Typically higher pay rates, plus travel and housing stipends | Steady salary, with benefits (health insurance, retirement plans, etc.) |
| Job Stability | Somewhat less stable, as assignments end after a contract period | High job stability with long-term employment |
| Experience | Opportunity to gain diverse experience in different settings with different patient populations | Opportunities for long-term professional development within a specific team |
| Career Advancement | Limited due to short-term positions, but good for broadening experience | Opportunities for promotions and specialized roles within the organization |
| Benefits | Health, housing, and travel stipends are usually provided | Full benefits packages are usually provided (healthcare, paid time off, retirement plans, etc.) |
| Work-Life Balance | Flexibility to explore new places and enjoy unique experiences | Predictable work-life balance with set schedules and time off |
| Social Interaction | Build a network of personal and professional relationships across the country, connecting with diverse teams | Stronger bonds with coworkers and patients over time |
Permanent vs Travel Radiation Therapist Salary
Salary is a crucial factor to consider when evaluating career options. Travel radiation therapists typically earn higher pay rates compared to their permanent counterparts due to the temporary nature of the work, the need for flexibility, and the associated travel requirements. In addition, travel radiation therapists often receive stipends for housing, meals, and transportation, which can significantly boost their total compensation.
However, it’s important to note that the salary can range greatly depending on the cost of living in a city, therapist experience, facility type, and the current demand for therapists.
- Travel Radiation Therapist Salary: Typically around $2,000 per week, with additional stipends for housing and travel expenses.
- Permanent Radiation Therapist Salary: Generally ranges from $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and the healthcare facility.
Job Opportunities as a Travel vs Staff Radiation Therapist
Both travel and permanent radiation therapist positions offer ample job opportunities, though the type of work and the settings available can differ.
- Travel Radiation Therapist Opportunities: Travel jobs are ideal for those who want to experience new locations and work in a variety of healthcare settings. There is a high demand for travel radiation therapists in underserved areas or regions with high patient volume. Hospitals, cancer centers, and private practices across the U.S. are often seeking temporary staff, making it relatively easy to find assignments in different locations.
- Permanent Radiation Therapist Opportunities: Permanent roles are typically available in hospitals, cancer centers, and outpatient clinics. These positions offer the chance to work in a stable environment and build long-term relationships with patients and coworkers. While the job opportunities are still strong, they may be more limited in terms of location flexibility compared to travel roles.
Find the Best Radiation Therapist Job for You
Both travel and permanent radiation therapist jobs have their unique benefits, and the best choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and career goals. Whether you’re looking for the flexibility to explore new places and gain varied experience, or you prefer the stability and growth potential of a permanent position, Soliant Health offers a wide range of opportunities to match your aspirations.
Ready to take the next step in your radiation therapy career? Browse Soliant’s radiation therapist job listings today to find the perfect position that fits your needs—whether it’s a travel or permanent role.
Looking for more information about radiation therapy? Browse Soliant’s additional resources on radiation therapy career guides, including a resume guide and template, here.
