Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace nuclear engineers?AI replacement risk 69% and how the work is changing

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$133,970
25th–75th pct. $108,690–$163,630
Top pay (est.)
$255,200
Top 10% $196,290
Pay in 5 years
$149,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$167,400est.
$143,900–$194,300
Outlook score
43/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
69%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+0.4%
800 openings / yr

Will AI replace Nuclear Engineers? AI replacement risk

69%
High
Ranked #731 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Nuclear Engineers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
5.0
Critical Thinking
4.9
Writing
4.8
Mathematics
4.4
Science
4.4
Operations Analysis
4.4
Complex Problem Solving
4.2
Active Listening
4.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology
6.0
Mathematics
5.7
Physics
5.3
Chemistry
5.1
Education and Training
5.0
Computers and Electronics
4.9
Design
4.8
English Language
4.8

What the work involves

Processing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionProblem SensitivityDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
81%
Master's degree
19%

Training before entry

1–2 years
38%
2–4 years
24%
1–3 months
14%
3–6 months
14%
6–12 months
10%

Related work experience

2–4 years
43%
None
14%
Over 10 years
10%
1–2 years
10%
4–6 years
10%
6–12 months
5%
6–8 years
5%
3–6 months
5%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.