Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

Explore This Path

Ensure safety and efficiency in energy production with cutting-edge technology.
Play a crucial role in maintaining clean, reliable power for communities.
Master complex systems to protect the environment and public health.

💰 Earn $0-$0

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -10.3% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll 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.

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Risky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

400 Annually

Median Earnings

$120,350 Nationally

$25K

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Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Time Management

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having support
Job security

Deep Dive

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years