Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

Also Called: Nuclear Control Operator, Nuclear Reactor Operator, Nuclear Station Operator (NSO), Reactor Operator (RO)

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$92,270

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What 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.

  • 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.
Industry Areas:

Advanced Manufacturing • Automotive & Machine Repair • Construction • Hospitality

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Telephone
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Electronic Mail

Tools

  • Dosimeters
  • Generator control or protection panels
  • Nuclear reactor control rod systems
  • Air samplers or collectors
  • Radiation detectors

Technology

Data base user interface and query software
Data logging software
Microsoft Access
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Office suite software
Microsoft Office

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Math and Science
physics
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
product and service development
Safety and Government
public safety and security

Education

  • 50% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 16% Post-secondary certificate
  • 15% Bachelor's degree

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Residential Advisors

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

Mechanical Engineering Technologists & Technicians

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Meeting, Convention, & Event Planners

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Arizona State University-Skysong

    Scottsdale, AZ

  • Arizona State University-Tempe

    Tempe, AZ

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Enterprising (Persuader)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Values

  • Support
  • Working Conditions
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Visual Understanding
  • Attention

This is what Nuclear Power Reactor Operators across the country typically make.

$44.36 / hour
$92,270 /year

Entry Level

$57.86 / hour
$120,350 /year

Median Level

$73.07 / hour
$151,980 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

Search Jobs