What Does it Take to Be a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator?

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Job 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.

Life As a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

• Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
• Direct the collection and testing of air, water, gas, or solid samples to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment.
• 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.
• Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
• Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
• Supervise technicians’ work activities to ensure that equipment is operated in accordance with policies and procedures that protect workers from radiation and ensure environmental safety.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator?

When polled, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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

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

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

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

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.

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

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Nuclear Control Room Non-Licensed Operator
• Power Reactor Operator
• Unit Reactor Operator
• Control Room Supervisor
• Licensed Reactor Operator

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Job Outlook

In the United States, there were 7,000 jobs for Nuclear Power Reactor Operator in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Nuclear Power Reactor Operator. There will be an estimated 500 positions for Nuclear Power Reactor Operator per 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.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Average Salary

The average yearly salary of a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator ranges between $68,200 and $127,370.

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?

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

Learn what Nuclear Power Reactor Operator education requirements there are.

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

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.