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.
Nuclear Technicians
SOC: 19-4051 O*NET: 19-4051.00
Median Salary
$110,240
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.1%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Nuclear Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$73,150
10th percentile
Early Career
$99,110
25th percentile
Median
$110,240
50th percentile
Experienced
$123,990
75th percentile
Top Earners
$133,600
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$73,150
25th
$99,110
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$110,240
Mean: $108,940
75th
$123,990
90th
$133,600
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $60,450 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $99,110 and $123,990
- •Salary spread is 22.6% around the median, showing low variation
- •Total national employment: 6,470 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:6,700
Top Industries
Utilities55.6%
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution55.6%
Utilities55.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.1%
Annual Openings:900
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)6,700
Current
2035 (Projected)6,800
+1.1%
+100
Employment Change
+1.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Nuclear Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 14 of 14 locations
Illinois
780 jobs$110,3903.08x
South Carolina
750 jobs$108,4907.79x
Virginia
680 jobs$98,9303.96x
North Carolina
420 jobs$110,4302.03x
Pennsylvania
310 jobs$124,0701.24x
Alabama
280 jobs$110,2403.24x
New York
260 jobs$129,7800.66x
Missouri
150 jobs$104,5801.25x
Texas
110 jobs$124,0600.20x
Tennessee
110 jobs$91,9800.83x
Washington
90 jobs$108,2000.61x
Florida
60 jobs$135,5500.14x
Massachusetts
50 jobs$113,3900.34x
California
0 jobs$99,2700.00x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Public Safety and Security
100%
#3
Problem Sensitivity
100%
#4
Monitoring
94%
#5
Mechanical
94%
#6
Information Ordering
92%
#7
Physics
86%
#8
Critical Thinking
86%
#9
Written Comprehension
82%
#10
Active Listening
80%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Public Safety and Security
advanced5.0
100%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced5.0
100%
Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Mechanical
advanced4.7
94%
Information Ordering
advanced4.6
92%
Physics
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
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:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Public Safety and Security
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Mechanical
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Information Ordering
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Physics
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Engineering and Technology
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Education and Training
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Agricultural Inspectors82%
5 shared skills
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment82%
5 shared skills
Photonics Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Validation Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Public Safety and Security
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Physics
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Writing
- →Chemistry
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Public Safety and Security
- ✓Mechanical
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Public Safety and Security
- ★Mechanical
- ★Physics
- ★Engineering and Technology
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 Technicians
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 Access
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft Office software
Linux
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 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
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡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 varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
18
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (11)Operations & Execution (2)Planning & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Management & Supervision (2)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Apply safety tags to equipment needing maintenance.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Follow policies and procedures for radiation workers to ensure personnel safety.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Modify, devise, or maintain nuclear equipment used in operations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping82% perform88%
8
Monitor instruments, gauges, or recording devices under direction of nuclear experimenters.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision79% perform86%
9
Perform testing, maintenance, repair, or upgrading of accelerator systems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution76% perform84%
10
Warn maintenance workers of radiation hazards and direct workers to vacate hazardous areas.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Management & Supervision73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •39% 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 Technicians
💡 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 Technicians 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 Technicians
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.86
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.73
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.47
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.10
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.09
Analytical Thinking
ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level3.99
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.9
Integrity
4.7
Dependability
4.5
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Analytical Thinking
4.0
Self-Control
4.0
Cooperation
3.9
Initiative
3.5
💡 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
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Nuclear Technicians.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Nuclear Technicians
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
797 program completions/year
College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
744 program completions/year
American River College
Sacramento, CA
677 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
605 program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
539 program completions/year
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA
524 program completions/year
Gaston College
Dallas, NC
512 program completions/year
Ohlone College
Fremont, CA
507 program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
498 program completions/year
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, CA
496 program completions/year
Folsom Lake College
Folsom, CA
494 program completions/year