Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

SOC code 51-8011 · O*NET-SOC 51-8011.00 · Medium preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators pay

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

Median pay

$122,890

a year

Hourly

$59.08

per hour

10th$98,640Median$122,89090th$149,310

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

Average pay

$121,380

$58.36 per hour

Middle 50%

$109,440 – $130,490

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$98,640 – $149,310

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

5,150

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $98,640; $47.42/hr
25th percentile: $109,440; $52.61/hr
Median percentile: $122,890; $59.08/hr
75th percentile: $130,490; $62.73/hr
90th percentile: $149,310; $71.78/hr

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
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.

How to become a nuclear power reactor operator

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 50% 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

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)50%
Post-Secondary Certificate16%
Bachelor's Degree15%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree13%

Common questions

How much does a nuclear power reactor operator earn?

The national median is $122,890 a year. The full range runs from $98,640 at the 10th percentile to $149,310 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 power reactor operator 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.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Monitoring3.9/5
Writing3.5/5

Knowledge areas

Physics4.1/5
Mechanical3.9/5
Public Safety and Security3.7/5
Mathematics3.6/5
Engineering and Technology3.5/5
Chemistry3.4/5
Design3.0/5
English Language2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.