After reading through the 2013 AAMD annual salary survey I was able to locate the section that

was applicable to me. I used two sections; primarily section C and for comparison I also used
section B. Section C survey is for a non-certified dosimetrist working 30 hours or more a week.
This is used as my primary survey for this discussion and analysis as I have not taken my board
examination yet. I also decided to use section B survey for a CMD working 30 hours or more a
week as comparison for where I should fall once my boards are complete this coming year.
After answering each applicable question in section C, I found that my current salary is just
above the average salary range for a non-certified dosimetrist. I was glad to see that my
organization is paying me an annual salary that is comparable to the AAMD survey. I am
disappointed as my average annual salary based on section B (CMD) is much higher than I
anticipate receiving once I am certified. I was assured I would receive a pay increase once I
become board certified and my Masters degree is complete; however I am not confident that it
will be the $17,222 increase that the AAMD survey projected it to be.
I had previously had a discussion with my director of physics to talk over whether or not UPMC
uses the AAMD annual salary survey as a basis on how they determine their dosimetrist salaries.
UPMC does not use the AAMD annual salary survey in deciding the pay scale for its dosimetrist
salaries. They use an internal pay scale with tiers for years of experience etc.
Since the AAMD salary survey breaks down the salaries in regards to the years worked in the
field, what kind of institution you work for, if you have supervisory responsibilities, if you
oversee students, the degree you hold as well as the region of the country you work, I would like
to see UPMC take the AAMD salary survey into consideration in determining the salary range
for its dosimetrist. Almost all of UPMCs dosimetrists were on-the-job trained; very few hold a
degree higher than an associates and most have worked their entire careers here. With on the job
training ending for dosimetry, I feel that if UPMC does not use the AAMD annual salary survey
to help keep the salaries of their dosimetrist comparable to the salaries of dosimetrist with similar
responsibilities in other states it will be near impossible to retain newly hired dosimetrists.