Career profile · SOC 19-4051

Nuclear technicians

Nuclear technicians is an occupation catalogued under SOC 19-4051. The role reports a median annual salary of $104,240 in the US and is projected to decline by 8% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a Associate's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.46 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include contamination exposure regulations, radioactive contamination, technical drawings, nuclear energy, fire prevention procedures.

Median salary
$104,240
per year
Growth outlook
Decline
BLS 10-yr
Education
Associate's degree
AI exposure
4.6/10
automation risk

Top skills

contamination exposure regulations radioactive contamination technical drawings nuclear energy fire prevention procedures metrology pneumatics radiation protection ensure compliance with environmental legislation maintain records of maintenance interventions

Frequently asked questions

How much does Nuclear technicians earn?

The median annual salary for Nuclear technicians in the US is $104,240.

What is the job outlook for Nuclear technicians?

The role is projected to decline by 8% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 6,000 workers.

How do I become nuclear technicians?

The typical entry education is a Associate's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.

What skills does Nuclear technicians need?

The most in-demand skills for this role include contamination exposure regulations, radioactive contamination, technical drawings, nuclear energy, fire prevention procedures, metrology. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.

Will AI replace Nuclear technicians?

Our AI-durability model gives Nuclear technicians a score of 0.46 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.

How hard is it to enter this field?

Nuclear technicians has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.

Related careers

Is Nuclear technicians right for you?

Take the Holland test + Big-5 to see how well this career matches your profile.

Get personalised fit →