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.
What does a Nuclear Power Reactor Operators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$99,300
10th percentile
Early Career
$107,170
25th percentile
Median
$122,610
50th percentile
Experienced
$131,520
75th percentile
Top Earners
$152,690
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$99,300
25th
$107,170
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$122,610
Mean: $122,830
75th
$131,520
90th
$152,690
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $53,390 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $107,170 and $131,520
- •Salary spread is 19.9% around the median, showing low variation
- •Total national employment: 5,720 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:5,700
Top Industries
Utilities78%
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution78%
Utilities78%
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
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Nuclear Power Reactor Operators professionals work across the United States
Showing 6 of 6 locations
Illinois
460 jobs$02.05x
North Carolina
340 jobs$107,2001.85x
South Carolina
320 jobs$112,0703.79x
New York
280 jobs$131,5200.79x
Ohio
150 jobs$124,0300.71x
Nebraska
80 jobs$111,3002.12x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operation and Control
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Operations Monitoring
86%
#4
Monitoring
80%
#5
Active Listening
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Complex Problem Solving
60%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
54%
#9
Writing
46%
#10
Time Management
40%
Skills Overview
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Listening
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.0
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Writing
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Power Distributors and Dispatchers82%
5 shared skills
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders82%
5 shared skills
Crane and Tower Operators73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
Learn on the Job:
- →Critical Thinking
- →Complex Problem Solving
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Active Listening
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Power BI
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Azure software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Azure software
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
19
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (9)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Planning & Development (2)Communication & Coordination (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Management & Supervision (4)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination82% perform88%
8
Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Conduct inspections or operations outside of control rooms as necessary.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •37% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.96
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.84
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.55
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.40
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.14
Self-Control
ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level3.97
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
5.0
Integrity
4.8
Dependability
4.5
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.1
Self-Control
4.0
Cooperation
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
Achievement/Effort
3.8
Persistence
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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