Nuclear Technician Salary
Nuclear Technicians earn a median $110,240 a year nationally. Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
What nuclear technicians do
Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.
- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +1.1% (slower than average)
- Openings per year
- 900
- Self-employed
- 3%
Employment of nuclear technicians is projected to grow 1.1% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 900 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 Technician take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$15,423
- Social Security (6.2%)$6,835
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,598
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$86,384
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $73,150 | $35.17 | $60,291 |
| 25th percentile | $99,110 | $47.65 | $78,554 |
| Median (50th) | $110,240 | $53.00 | $86,384 |
| 75th percentile | $123,990 | $59.61 | $96,013 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $133,600 | $64.23 | $102,582 |
Nuclear Technician salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $135,550 | +14.5% | $103,914 | $88,310 – $135,550 | 60 |
| New York | $129,780 | +6.8% | $93,354 | $99,820 – $171,470 | 260 |
| Pennsylvania | $124,070 | +18.6% | $92,259 | $104,320 – $153,120 | 310 |
| Texas | $124,060 | +27.7% | $96,061 | $101,190 – $126,960 | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $113,390 | — | $83,150 | $83,710 – $113,410 | 50 |
| North Carolina | $110,430 | +5.9% | $82,620 | $108,780 – $128,310 | 420 |
| Illinois | $110,390 | +7.4% | $81,170 | $65,750 – $125,360 | 780 |
| Alabama | $110,240 | +2.4% | $81,137 | $97,500 – $153,280 | 280 |
| South Carolina | $108,490 | +3.0% | $79,800 | $88,210 – $124,190 | 750 |
| Washington | $108,200 | +8.1% | $84,949 | $75,510 – $127,910 | 90 |
| Missouri | $104,580 | +7.9% | $78,424 | $50,920 – $124,580 | 150 |
| California | $99,270 | — | $72,373 | $58,830 – $115,630 | — |
| Virginia | $98,930 | −6.9% | $73,553 | $60,830 – $161,720 | 680 |
| Tennessee | $91,980 | −2.8% | $73,538 | $78,850 – $121,330 | 110 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Technician | $72,060 | Bachelor's degree | +13.3% |
| Hydrologic Technician | $64,790 | Associate's degree | -1.3% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $62,280 | Associate's degree | +4.4% |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $61,990 | Bachelor's degree | +5.0% |
| Chemical Technician | $60,390 | Associate's degree | +4.9% |
| Biological Technician | $57,510 | Bachelor's degree | +7.4% |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $55,090 | Associate's degree | +6.9% |
| Forest and Conservation Technician | $54,560 | Associate's degree | -2.1% |
| Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians | $53,350 | Associate's degree | +3.6% |
| Food Science Technician | $52,130 | Associate's degree | +4.8% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nuclear technician make?
The national median salary for nuclear technicians is $110,240 a year ($53.00 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $73,150 and the top 10% earn over $133,600. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays nuclear technicians the most?
Florida has the highest median pay at $135,550.
How many nuclear technicians are there in the U.S.?
About 6,470 people work as nuclear technicians nationwide.