Skip to main contentSkip to footer
LER.me
  • Live Data
My LER
LER.me
My LER
LER.me

Make All Learning Count.

Get Connected

  • What is a LER?
  • FAQs (opens in new tab)
  • Partner with Us
  • Visit EBSCOed (opens in new tab)

View our Policies

  • Accessibility (opens in new tab)
  • Standards (opens in new tab)
  • Terms of Use (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy Policy (opens in new tab)
  • Opt out (opens in new tab)

Get the app

  • Get it on Google Play
  • Download on the App Store

© 2026 All rights reserved.

Powered by EBSCOed

Skip to main contentSkip to footer
LER.me
  • Live Data
My LER
LER.me
My LER
  1. Occupations
  2. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

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.

SOC: 51-8011.00

Common Job Titles

  • Nuclear Control Operator
  • Nuclear Reactor Operator
  • Nuclear Station Operator (NSO)
  • Reactor Operator (RO)

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

5,720

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $99,300. 25th percentile: U.S. $107,170. 50th percentile: U.S. $122,610. 75th percentile: U.S. $131,520. 90th percentile: U.S. $152,690. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$99,300
10% of workers earn the following or more$152,690
Workers on average earn$122,830

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Physics4.1/5
  • Mechanical3.9/5
  • Public Safety and Security3.7/5
  • Mathematics3.6/5
  • Engineering and Technology3.5/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Azure software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Structured query language SQL

Technology Skills

  • Data logging software
  • Microsoft Power Automate
  • Outage management system OMS
  • Plant information data entry software

Tools & Equipment

  • Air compressors
  • Air monitoring equipment
  • Air purifying respirators
  • Air sample collection equipment
  • Area gamma monitors
  • Automatic control systems
  • Control rod drives
  • Cooling towers
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Nuclear Technicians 19-4051.00
  • Power Plant Operators 51-8013.00
  • Hydroelectric Plant Technicians 51-8013.04
  • Nuclear Monitoring Technicians 19-4051.02
  • Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators 51-8021.00

Moderately Similar

  • Chemical Plant and System Operators 51-8091.00
  • Power Distributors and Dispatchers 51-8012.00
  • Gas Plant Operators 51-8092.00
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators 51-8031.00
  • Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers 51-8093.00

Related

  • Nuclear Engineers 17-2161.00
  • Chemical Engineers 17-2041.00
  • Geothermal Technicians 49-9099.01
  • Biomass Plant Technicians 51-8013.03
  • Geothermal Production Managers 11-3051.02
  • Hydroelectric Production Managers 11-3051.06
  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay 49-2095.00
  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment 49-2094.00
  • Biomass Power Plant Managers 11-3051.04
  • Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians 17-3021.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • ApprenticeshipDominion Energy Virginia: Nuclear Plant OperatorIssuer: Dominion Energy Virginia
  • ApprenticeshipTennessee Valley Authority: Nuclear Plant OperatorIssuer: Tennessee Valley Authority
  • Bachelor's DegreeNuclear Energy Engineering ManagementIssuer: Thomas Edison State University
  • Associate's DegreeNuclear Energy TechnologyIssuer: Salem Community College
  • Associate's DegreeNuclear Energy Technology (W/ Cumberland)Issuer: Salem Community College
  • Associate's DegreeAssociate in Applied Science in Nuclear TechnologyIssuer: Columbia Basin College
  • Associate's DegreeAssociate in Applied Science in Radiological Protection TechnologyIssuer: Columbia Basin College