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$19

$51

$77

How much do entry level nuclear jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level nuclear in the United States is $51.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level nuclear jobs?

Entry level nuclear jobs are positions within the nuclear industry that require minimal prior experience and are suitable for recent graduates or individuals new to the field. These roles often include positions such as nuclear technician, junior operator, or support staff in power plants, laboratories, or regulatory agencies. Entry level employees typically receive on-the-job training and may assist in monitoring equipment, collecting data, or supporting safety procedures. These jobs serve as a starting point for advancing to more specialized or higher-level roles within the nuclear sector.

What are some typical responsibilities for an entry level nuclear engineer and how do they contribute to larger projects?

Entry level nuclear engineers often assist with data analysis, safety assessments, and monitoring systems within nuclear facilities. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, supporting the development and maintenance of reactors or nuclear equipment. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance and operational safety, and their contributions help larger teams meet project milestones efficiently. Collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams, such as radiation safety and mechanical engineering, is common and provides valuable exposure to different aspects of the nuclear industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Nuclear Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Nuclear Technician, you generally need a strong background in math, physics, and engineering principles, often supported by an associate degree in nuclear technology or a related field. Familiarity with radiation detection equipment, reactor control systems, and safety protocols, as well as certification such as the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP), is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, accurate operation in a highly regulated environment where precision and teamwork are vital for both safety and efficiency.

What is the difference between Entry Level Nuclear vs Entry Level Nuclear Technician?

AspectEntry Level NuclearEntry Level Nuclear Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require an associate degreeHigh school diploma; technical training or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentPower plants, research facilities, or manufacturing sitesPower plants, maintenance facilities, or research labs
Industry UsageGeneral term for entry-level roles in nuclear industrySpecific role focused on operating and maintaining nuclear equipment

Entry Level Nuclear is a broad term for initial roles in the nuclear industry, while Entry Level Nuclear Technician refers specifically to positions involving hands-on operation and maintenance of nuclear systems. Both require safety training and basic technical skills, but the technician role often demands more technical certifications and practical experience.

More about Entry Level Nuclear jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Nuclear job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Nuclear jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Nuclear jobs include:
Entry Level Nuclear jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Radiological Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Radiological Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Chicago, IL

$62K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

119th of 442 rated engineering

Job description

Description

We offer you a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in nuclear/radiological engineering.  

You will work with multi-discipline engineering project teams engaged in the design and engineering of upgrades and modifications to existing nuclear power plants in the following areas:

  • Radiological dose calculations
  • Shielding design calculations
  • Radiation source term calculations

In addition, you will:

  • Work on both domestic and international nuclear power plant projects
  • Potential travel to support projects
Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

  • A Bachelor's or Master's of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering
    • A Bachelor's or Master's of Science from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program is preferred
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong problem solving skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications 
  • Experience with some of the following computer programs (preferred):
    • MCNP
    • RADTRAD
    • MicroShield
    • ORIGEN
    • ARCON96
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$62,998 - $90,586Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

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