Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

SOC code 19-4051 · O*NET-SOC 19-4051.02 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$110,240

a year

Hourly

$53.00

per hour

10th$73,150Median$110,24090th$133,600

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$108,940

$52.37 per hour

Middle 50%

$99,110 – $123,990

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$73,150 – $133,600

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

6,470

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Nuclear Technicians”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $73,150; $35.17/hr
25th percentile: $99,110; $47.65/hr
Median percentile: $110,240; $53.00/hr
75th percentile: $123,990; $59.61/hr
90th percentile: $133,600; $64.23/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

-8%

Declining

6,000

jobs in 2024

5,500

projected for 2034

About 500 fewer jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a nuclear monitoring technician do?

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Inform supervisors when individual exposures or area radiation levels approach maximum permissible limits.
Provide initial response to abnormal events or to alarms from radiation monitoring equipment.
Determine intensities and types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials, using radiation detectors or other instruments.
Instruct personnel in radiation safety procedures and demonstrate use of protective clothing and equipment.
Collect samples of air, water, gases, or solids to determine radioactivity levels of contamination.

How to become a nuclear monitoring technician

Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 29% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree29%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)27%
Post-Secondary Certificate17%
Bachelor's Degree16%

Common questions

How much does a nuclear monitoring technician earn?

The national median is $110,240 a year. The full range runs from $73,150 at the 10th percentile to $133,600 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a nuclear monitoring technician without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is nuclear monitoring technician in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to shrink by about 8% between 2024 and 2034 — declining. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Monitoring3.9/5
Reading Comprehension3.8/5
Speaking3.5/5
Writing3.1/5
Mathematics3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Mathematics3.3/5
Physics3.3/5
Public Safety and Security3.1/5
Chemistry3.1/5
English Language3.0/5
Computers and Electronics3.0/5
Education and Training2.8/5
Mechanical2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making, Instructing.