Science
Nuclear technician
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.
Median pay
$110,240
Growth to 2035
+1%
little or no change
Openings a year
900
Time to qualify*
2.5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Nuclear technician
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Associate's degree
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-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
Exposure to disease
Core tasks
- Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
- Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.
- Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.
- Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.
- Apply safety tags to equipment needing maintenance.
- Follow policies and procedures for radiation workers to ensure personnel safety.
- Modify, devise, or maintain nuclear equipment used in operations.
Also called: Auxiliary Operator · Equipment Operator · Licensed Nuclear Operator · Non-Licensed Nuclear Equipment Operator (NLO) · Non-Licensed Nuclear Plant Operator (NLO) · Nuclear Auxiliary Operator · Nuclear Equipment Operator (NEO) · Nuclear Plant Equipment Operator (NAPEO)
Outlook and AI
Nuclear technicians held 6,700 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 6,800 by 2035 (+1%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
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