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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

Median Salary
120,350
Job Outlook
-2%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is projected to decline 8 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 3,800 openings for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$105,780

10%

$120,350

Median

$128,110

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    50%

  • Bachelor's degree

    15%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    15%

  • Associate's degree

    12%

  • Some college

    6%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Physics
  • Mechanical
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Public Safety and Security

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.