Nuclear Technicians
Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.
Also called: Accelerator Operator, Accelerator Technician, Auxiliary Operator, Cell Support Operator, Electric Systems Operator, Energy Systems Operator
Median pay
$110,240
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$73,150 – $133,600
People employed
6,470
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.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 4.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 5.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 6.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
The hard parts
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Work outdoors in all weather
Nuclear Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (14 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What nuclear technicians do
- 01Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
- 02Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.
- 03Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.
- 04Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.
- 05Apply safety tags to equipment needing maintenance.
- 06Follow policies and procedures for radiation workers to ensure personnel safety.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Writing
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
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 technicians
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators88% · +11%
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians87% · group pay
- Biomass Plant Technicians86% · group pay
- Power Plant Operators85% · −7%
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay81% · −7%
Change into nuclear technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators87% · $122,890
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators81% · $78,620
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay77% · $103,020
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians77% · $102,040
- Power Plant Operators77% · $102,040
Majors that lead here
- Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician
- Industrial Radiologic Technology/Technician
- Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician
- Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.