Shigoto Zukan
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How to become nuclear power reactor operatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$122,890
25th–75th pct. $109,440–$130,490
Top pay (est.)
$194,100
Top 10% $149,310
Pay in 5 years
$134,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$148,000est.
$127,300–$171,800
Outlook score
39/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
71%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
−5.9%
400 openings / yr

How to become nuclear power reactor operators

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

Key skills

Critical Thinking
4.0
Monitoring
4.0
Operations Monitoring
3.9
Active Listening
3.9
Reading Comprehension
3.9
Operation and Control
3.8
Time Management
3.4
Judgment and Decision Making
3.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Physics
4.8
Mechanical
4.6
Mathematics
4.2
Chemistry
4.2
Public Safety and Security
4.0
Engineering and Technology
3.9
Computers and Electronics
3.7
Education and Training
3.3

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsDocumenting/Recording Information

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityOral ExpressionPerceptual SpeedOral ComprehensionInformation OrderingWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

High school diploma
50%
Post-secondary certificate
16%
Bachelor's degree
15%
Associate's degree
13%
Some college
6%

Training before entry

1–2 years
45%
2–4 years
37%
6–12 months
10%
4–10 years
8%

Related work experience

2–4 years
34%
4–6 years
20%
None
15%
1–2 years
14%
6–12 months
11%
6–8 years
3%
Over 10 years
3%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

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

Career path and how to earn more as nuclear power reactor operators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.