How To Become A Nuclear Reactor Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a nuclear reactor operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

The average nuclear reactor operator salary is $51,694. The most common degree is a bachelor's degree degree with an electrical engineering major. It usually takes 2-4 years of experience to become a nuclear reactor operator. Nuclear reactor operators with a Certification in Nuclear Medicine certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -15% and produce -6,500 job opportunities across the U.S.

ScoreNuclear Reactor OperatorUS Average

Salary

4.0

Avg. Salary $51,694

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

9.2

Growth Rate -15%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.39%

Asian 1.50%

Black or African American 5.89%

Hispanic or Latino 7.95%

Unknown 5.47%

White 76.80%

Gender

female 4.40%

male 95.60%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress Level

9.2

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

7.0

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

3.9

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a nuclear reactor operator

Explore nuclear reactor operator education requirements

Most common nuclear reactor operator degrees

Bachelor's

64.3 %

Associate

12.5 %

High School Diploma

11.3 %

Start to develop specific nuclear reactor operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Nuclear Reactor	15.42%
Electrical Equipment	10.99%
Plant Operations	6.98%
Emergency Situations	5.77%
Nuclear Power	5.22%

Complete relevant nuclear reactor operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New nuclear reactor operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a nuclear reactor operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real nuclear reactor operator resumes.

Research nuclear reactor operator duties and responsibilities

Manage and direct the development of the sector AOP and of proper controls to ensure program/project spending meets sector expectations.
Maintain proficiency in radiological controls and radioactive material handling with continuous training exams given monthly.
Regenerate demineralizers associate with water plant operation.

Prepare your nuclear reactor operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your nuclear reactor operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a nuclear reactor operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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Apply for nuclear reactor operator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a nuclear reactor operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

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