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.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
SOC: 51-8011 O*NET: 51-8011.00
Median Salary
$122,610
per year
Job Growth
📉 -15.3%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$73,566
25th
$98,088
50th (Median)
$122,610
75th
$147,132
90th
$183,915
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:5,700
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-15.3%
Annual Openings:400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)5,700
Current
2034 (Projected)4,900
-15.3%
-900
Employment Change
-15.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
Top Skills
✓
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Writing
Writing
✓
Time Management
Time Management
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Physics
✓
Mechanical
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
Mathematics
✓
Engineering and Technology
✓
Chemistry
✓
Design
Education & Training
Education Required
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Experience Required
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Job Training
Training of more than one year