Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Salary
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators earn a median $122,890 a year nationally. Production Occupations
U.S. median
$122,890
$59.08 per hour
Range
$98,640 – $149,310
10th to 90th percentile
Employed
5,150
across the U.S.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
Your take-home pay
$95,261
per year · effective tax rate 22.5%
$7,938Monthly
$3,969Twice a month
$3,664Every 2 weeks
$45.80Hourly
- 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 | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $129,580 | $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 | $86,319 | $85,820 – $126,790 | 320 |
| Nebraska | $108,650 | $81,201 | $90,120 – $131,100 | 50 |
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.