What Do Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Do?

Occupation Description 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.

What Do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Do On a Daily Basis?

• Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
• Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
• Authorize actions to correct identified operational inefficiencies or hazards so that operating efficiency is maximized and potential environmental issues are minimized.
• Review and edit standard operating procedures.
• Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
• Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or the effects of generator loading on other equipment.

Things a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Should Know How to Do

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Nuclear Supervising Operator (NSO)
• Nuclear Control Room Operator
• Licensed Reactor Operator
• Power Reactor Operator
• Nuclear Reactor Operator

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Employment Estimates

There were about 7,000 jobs for Nuclear Power Reactor Operator in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Nuclear Power Reactor Operator. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 500 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Nuclear Power Reactor Operator are Washington, Idaho, and Nebraska. Watch out if you plan on working in South Carolina, Pennsylvania, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Salary

The salary for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators ranges between about $68,200 and $127,370 a year.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators who work in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, or Mississippi, make the highest salaries.

How much do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators make in each U.S. state?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Illinois	$87,340
Mississippi	$97,040
North Carolina	$101,520
Pennsylvania	$106,870
South Carolina	$80,490
Tennessee	$90,190

What Tools do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Nuclear Power Reactor Operators may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Access
• Data logging software

How to Become a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

What kind of Nuclear Power Reactor Operator requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator?

Where do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Nuclear Power Reactor Operators employed by various industries.

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.