Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Salary
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators earn a median $122,890 a year nationally. Production Occupations
What nuclear power reactor operators do
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.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -5.9% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 400
Employment of nuclear power reactor operators is projected to shrink 5.9% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 400 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$18,228
- Social Security (6.2%)$7,619
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,782
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$95,261
Marginal rate: 24% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $98,640 | $47.42 | $78,223 |
| 25th percentile | $109,440 | $52.62 | $85,821 |
| Median (50th) | $122,890 | $59.08 | $95,261 |
| 75th percentile | $130,490 | $62.74 | $100,456 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $149,310 | $71.78 | $113,319 |
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $129,580 | −1.5% | $93,229 | $102,070 – $158,080 | 230 |
| Illinois | $123,980 | — | $90,014 | $104,760 – $133,950 | 410 |
| Alabama | $119,000 | — | $86,862 | $105,050 – $160,760 | 360 |
| South Carolina | $118,620 | +5.8% | $86,319 | $85,820 – $126,790 | 320 |
| Nebraska | $108,650 | −2.4% | $81,201 | $90,120 – $131,100 | 50 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Distributor and Dispatcher | $106,730 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.2% |
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 | High school diploma or equivalent | -5.1% |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $96,710 | High school diploma or equivalent | -1.9% |
| Gas Plant Operator | $87,820 | High school diploma or equivalent | -6.0% |
| Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator | $78,620 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.1% |
| Chemical Plant and System Operator | $78,120 | High school diploma or equivalent | -5.2% |
| Plant and System Operators, All Other | $62,470 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.3% |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator | $60,020 | High school diploma or equivalent | -5.7% |
| First-Line Supervisor of Production and Operating Workers | $74,450 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.8% |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer | $68,120 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +5.9% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nuclear power reactor operator make?
The national median salary for nuclear power reactor operators is $122,890 a year ($59.08 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $98,640 and the top 10% earn over $149,310. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays nuclear power reactor operators the most?
New York has the highest median pay at $129,580.
How many nuclear power reactor operators are there in the U.S.?
About 5,150 people work as nuclear power reactor operators nationwide.