Production
Nuclear power reactor operator
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.
Median pay
$122,890
Growth to 2035
−6%
declining
Openings a year
400
Time to qualify*
12 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Nuclear power reactor operator
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Nuclear power reactor operator: 70% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- 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.
- Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
Also called: Licensed Reactor Operator · Nuclear Control Operator · Nuclear Control Room Operator · Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO) · Nuclear Power Reactor Operator · Nuclear Reactor Operator · Nuclear Station Operator (NSO) · Nuclear Supervising Operator (NSO)
Outlook and AI
Nuclear power reactor operators held 5,200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 4,900 by 2035 (−6%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
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