Nuclear Power Reactor Operators earn a median of $122,890 per year ($59.08/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 5.9% through 2035, with about 400 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-8011
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator in four numbers
- Median pay
- $122,890a year, or $59.08/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $99KTop 10% $149K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -5.9%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−5.9%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −5.9% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 4005,200 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 20255.2K
- Projected 20354.9K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 5.2K Projected 2035 4.9K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school50.1%
- Certificate15.7%
- Some college6.2%
- Associate's12.6%
- Bachelor's15.3%
Highest education held by nuclear power reactor operators Segment Value High school 50.1% Certificate 15.7% Some college 6.2% Associate's 12.6% Bachelor's 15.3%
Also advertised as: Licensed Reactor Operator, Nuclear Control Operator, Nuclear Control Room Operator, Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO), Nuclear Power Reactor Operator, Nuclear Reactor Operator.
Pay
How much do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators make?
Every nuclear power reactor operator in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$122,890
Middle half earn $109,440 to $130,490
- 10th
- $98,640
- 25th
- $109,440
- 75th
- $130,490
- 90th
- $149,310
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $98,640 |
| 25th | $109,440 |
| Median | $122,890 |
| 75th | $130,490 |
| 90th | $149,310 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $122,890
- Median hourly wage
- $59.08/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $121,380
- People employed
- 5,150
Versus all US occupations
At $122,890, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators earn 141% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $71,910 a year.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 156% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $149,310 or more while the bottom 10% earn $98,640, a gap of 1.5×. That is a narrow spread, so experience and employer move pay less than in most occupations.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 85% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
New York posts the highest raw median ($129,580), but once local prices are taken into account Alabama leads at $133,974 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Nuclear Power Reactor Operators the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1New York | $129,580 | $120,069 | 230 |
| 2Illinois | $123,980 | $124,032 | 410 |
| 3Alabama | $119,000 | $133,974 | 360 |
| 4South Carolina | $118,620 | $126,529 | 320 |
| 5Nebraska | $108,650 | $120,584 | 50 |
Job outlook
Is Nuclear Power Reactor Operator a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -5.9% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | −5.9% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Nuclear Power Reactor Operators to change -5.9% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 300 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 400 openings are projected each year, 7.7% of the 5,200 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
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.
Projected employment of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers varies by occupation (see table).
Although electricity use is expected to increase, technological advances and greater efficiency are expected to reduce employment in these occupations. In addition, projected declines in some forms of electricity generation will also likely reduce demand for some subsets of these workers.
Getting in
How to become a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers typically need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent to enter the occupation. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have experience. Once hired, power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers typically receive extensive on-the-job training.
Employers may require prospective operators to take an exam to test their aptitude for this work. This exam measures reading comprehension, understanding of mechanical concepts, spatial ability, and mathematical ability.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as nuclear power reactor operators.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)50.1%
- Post-Secondary Certificate15.7%
- Bachelor's Degree15.3%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree12.6%
- Some College Courses6.2%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 50.1% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 15.7% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 15.3% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 12.6% |
| Some College Courses | 6.2% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator do?
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.
Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.
Day-to-day tasks
- 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.
- Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
- Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
- Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
- Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.
- Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Operators, distributors, and dispatchers typically work rotating 8- or 12-hour shifts.
Work on rotating shifts, which may involve day or night work schedules that alternate over a specified time, can be stressful because of the constant changes in living and sleeping patterns.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely seriousMistakes carry very serious consequences.
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Active Listening3.9
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Monitoring3.9
- Writing3.5
- Speaking3.3
- Active Learning3.1
- Learning Strategies3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 |
| Active Listening | 3.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 |
| Monitoring | 3.9 |
| Writing | 3.5 |
| Speaking | 3.3 |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
| Learning Strategies | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring4.0
- Operation and Control4.0
- Complex Problem Solving3.8
- Judgment and Decision Making3.5
- Time Management3.4
- Coordination3.3
- Quality Control Analysis3.3
- Systems Analysis3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 4.0 |
| Operation and Control | 4.0 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.8 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.5 |
| Time Management | 3.4 |
| Coordination | 3.3 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.3 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Business intelligence and data analysis software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Development environment software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Enterprise application integration software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Industrial control software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Nuclear Power Reactor Operator |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic5.4
- Conventional5.1
- Investigative3.1
- Enterprising2.6
- Social2.1
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
O*NET related occupations
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
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- Life, Physical, and Social Science
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More production careers
Median annual pay, with nuclear power reactor operators highlighted
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operator$122,890
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operator | $122,890 |
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within nuclear power reactor operator
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Nuclear Power Reactor Operator appears on
Questions
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator: frequently asked questions
How much do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators make?
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators earn a median of $122,890 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 141% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $59.08/hr. The middle half earn between $109,440 and $130,490. The top 10% earn $149,310 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators. BLS also lists long-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 50.1% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Nuclear Power Reactor Operator a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 5.9% over 2025–2035, a loss of 300 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 400 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator do?
Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power. A core O*NET task: respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action. Employers most often ask for Business intelligence and data analysis software, Data base user interface and query software, Development environment software.
Which states pay Nuclear Power Reactor Operators the most?
The highest state medians for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators are New York ($129,580), Illinois ($123,980), Alabama ($119,000) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Alabama moves to the top at $133,974.
What personality type suits a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator?
O*NET scores Nuclear Power Reactor Operators highest on the Realistic, Conventional and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.