Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $122,890/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -15.3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
• Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
• Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
• Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
• Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or the effects of generator loading on other equipment.
• Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.
• Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
• Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
What's the median pay for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators?
The median pay for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators is $122,890 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators?
Employment for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators is projected to change -15.3% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators?
About 400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.