Nuclear power reactor operators
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.
Nuclear power reactor operators 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. The role reports a median annual salary of $122,610 in the US and is projected to decline by 15% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a High school diploma or equivalent, and shows low AI exposure (0.40 on a 0-1 scale) — the role's core work resists automation. The most in-demand skills for the role include Operations Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Operation and Control, Critical Thinking, Monitoring.
Pay in India (occupation group)
Average monthly earnings of salaried employees in the occupation group “Technicians and associate professionals” in India, from the Government of India's Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025). It covers everyone in this group, not only Nuclear power reactor operators, and it is not US pay converted to rupees.
Source: MoSPI (Government of India), Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, Table 51 — average wage/salary earnings of regular wage/salaried employees, NCO-2015 division 3. Official India data gives one average per occupation group: there are no official India figures for single careers, experience levels or cities. Read the report
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Physics
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Chemistry
- Design
- English Language
What you'd actually do
- 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.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Nuclear power reactor operators do?
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.
How much does Nuclear power reactor operators earn?
The median annual salary for Nuclear power reactor operators in the US is $122,610.
What is the job outlook for Nuclear power reactor operators?
The role is projected to decline by 15% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 5,700 workers.
How do I become nuclear power reactor operators?
The typical entry education is a High school diploma or equivalent. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Nuclear power reactor operators need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Operations Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Operation and Control, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Active Listening. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Nuclear power reactor operators?
Our AI-durability model gives Nuclear power reactor operators a score of 0.40 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at low AI exposure — the role's core work resists current-generation automation. It's a comparatively AI-durable choice within its field.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Nuclear power reactor operators has low barrier to entry — generally accessible — you can enter with basic credentials and on-the-job learning.