Nuclear power reactor operators
SOC Code: 51-8011Also known as:
Control Operator, Control Room Agent, Control Room Officer, Control Room Operator, Licensed Nuclear Control Room Operator
Median Annual Salary
$122,610
-15.3% growth (2024-2034)
400
Openings/Year
6K
Current Jobs
What Nuclear power reactor operators 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.
💰 Salary
$122,610
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-15.3%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
400
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
5,700
Projected Employment (2034)
4,900
Related Careers
Nuclear technicians
$104,240 •
-7.7% growth
Power plant operators
$99,670 •
-11.2% growth
Stationary engineers and boiler operators
$75,190 •
+2.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
- Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Nuclear power reactor operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a nuclear power reactor operators:
Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician
111 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Nuclear power reactor operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become nuclear power reactor operators.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | State Technical College of Missouri | Linn, MO | 16 | B |
| 2 | University of Nevada-Reno | Reno, NV | 1 | B |
| 3 | Wharton County Junior College | Wharton, TX | 10 | C+ |
| 4 | Cape Fear Community College | Wilmington, NC | 2 | C+ |
| 5 | Aiken Technical College | Graniteville, SC | 52 | C |
| 6 | Connecticut State Community College | Hartford, CT | 16 | C |
| 7 | Lakeshore Technical College | Cleveland, WI | 5 | C |
| 8 | Thomas Edison State University | Trenton, NJ | 4 | C |
| 9 | Salem Community College | Carneys Point, NJ | 2 | C |
| 10 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion | Scottsdale, AZ | 2 | C |
| 11 | Siena Heights University | Adrian, MI | 1 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear power reactor operators make?
The median annual salary for nuclear power reactor operators is $122,610.
What education do nuclear power reactor operators need?
Most nuclear power reactor operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician.
Is becoming nuclear power reactor operators a good career choice?
Nuclear power reactor operators is projected to see -15.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for nuclear power reactor operators?
Top colleges for aspiring nuclear power reactor operators include
State Technical College of Missouri, University of Nevada-Reno, Wharton County Junior College, Cape Fear Community College, Aiken Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to nuclear power reactor operators?
Nuclear power reactor operators may also be known as: Control Operator, Control Room Agent, Control Room Officer, Control Room Operator, Licensed Nuclear Control Room Operator, Licensed Reactor Operator, Nuclear Control Operator, Nuclear Control Room Non-Licensed Operator, Nuclear Control Room Operator, Nuclear Operator, Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO), Nuclear Power Plant Process Control Worker, Nuclear Power Reactor Operator, Nuclear Reactor Operator, Nuclear Station Operator (NSO), Nuclear Supervising Operator (NSO), Nuclear Unit Operator, Power Reactor Operator, Reactor Operator (RO), Unit Reactor Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.