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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators to decrease by -5.9% between 2024 and 2034, from 5,200 to 4,900 jobs. Its estimate of 400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($122,890), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
5,200
Projected employment (2034)
4,900
Projected change (2024–2034)
-6%
Annual openings (projected average)
400
Pay & Preparation
$122,890
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Long-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (4/5) • Reading Comprehension (4/5) • Operation and Control (4/5) • Monitoring (3.88/5) • Critical Thinking (3.88/5) • Active Listening (3.88/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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