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.
Also called: Control Operator, Control Room Agent, Control Room Officer, Control Room Operator, Licensed Nuclear Control Room Operator, Licensed Reactor Operator
Median pay
$122,890
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$98,640 – $149,310
People employed
5,150
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 3.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 4.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 5.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 6.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 7.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (5 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What nuclear power reactor operators do
- 01Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
- 02Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
- 03Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
- 04Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
- 05Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
- 06Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or the effects of generator loading on other equipment.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Physics
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from nuclear power reactor operators
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians91% · group pay
- Nuclear Technicians87% · −10%
- Hydroelectric Production Managers77% · group pay
- Geothermal Production Managers74% · group pay
- Biomass Power Plant Managers69% · group pay
Change into nuclear power reactor operators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians91% · $110,240
- Nuclear Technicians88% · $110,240
- Nuclear Engineers76% · $133,970
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians75% · $61,560
- Hydroelectric Production Managers73% · $126,060
Majors that lead here
- Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.