Nuclear technicians
SOC Code: 19-4051Also known as:
Accelerator Operator, Accelerator Technician, Auxiliary Operator, Cell Support Operator, Electric Systems Operator
Median Annual Salary
$104,240
-7.7% growth (2024-2034)
700
Openings/Year
6K
Current Jobs
What Nuclear technicians Do
Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.
💰 Salary
$104,240
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-7.7%
Decline
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
700
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
6,000
Projected Employment (2034)
5,500
Related Careers
Nuclear engineers
$127,520 •
-1.1% growth
Nuclear technicians
$104,240 •
-7.7% growth
Nuclear power reactor operators
$122,610 •
-15.3% growth
Power plant operators
$99,670 •
-11.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
- Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.
- Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.
- Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.
- Apply safety tags to equipment needing maintenance.
- Follow policies and procedures for radiation workers to ensure personnel safety.
- Modify, devise, or maintain nuclear equipment used in operations.
- Brief workers on radiation levels in work areas.
- Calculate safe radiation exposure times for personnel using plant contamination readings and prescribed safe levels of radiation.
- Monitor personnel to determine the amounts and intensities of radiation exposure.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Nuclear technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a nuclear technicians:
Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician
260 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Industrial Radiologic Technology/Technician
213 degrees awarded •
7 colleges offer this program
Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician
111 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician
87 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other
14 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Nuclear technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become nuclear technicians.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear technicians make?
The median annual salary for nuclear technicians is $104,240.
What education do nuclear technicians need?
Most nuclear technicians positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician, Industrial Radiologic Technology/Technician, Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician.
Is becoming nuclear technicians a good career choice?
Nuclear technicians is projected to see -7.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for nuclear technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring nuclear technicians include
State Technical College of Missouri, Indiana University-Indianapolis, University of Nevada-Reno, Cowley County Community College, Wharton County Junior 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 technicians?
Nuclear technicians may also be known as: Accelerator Operator, Accelerator Technician, Auxiliary Operator, Cell Support Operator, Electric Systems Operator, Energy Systems Operator, Equipment Operation Instructor, Equipment Operator, Facilities Operator, Gamma Facilities Operator, Gamma Operator, Hot-Cell Technician, Licensed Nuclear Operator, Non Licensed Operator, Non-Licensed Nuclear Equipment Operator (NLO), Non-Licensed Nuclear Plant Operator (NLO), Non-Licensed Operator (NLO), Nuclear Auxiliary Operator, Nuclear Equipment Operator (NEO), Nuclear Fuel Enrichment Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.