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$18

$33

$61

How much do entry level nuclear plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level nuclear plant in the United States is $33.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $60.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry-level jobs at a nuclear plant?

Entry-level jobs at a nuclear plant typically include positions such as nuclear plant operator trainees, maintenance technicians, and safety technicians. These roles often require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may need technical training or certifications like a nuclear safety training program. On-the-job training and adherence to strict safety protocols are essential components of these positions.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Entry-level nuclear engineers typically earn salaries below $100,000 annually, with higher earnings possible with experience, advanced certifications, or specialized roles. Reaching a $500,000 salary generally requires many years of experience, senior positions, or working in high-paying industries or management roles within nuclear facilities.

How do I get into working at a nuclear plant?

To work as an entry-level nuclear plant worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require an associate's degree or technical training. Relevant certifications, such as a nuclear safety or radiation safety license, and on-the-job training are often required, along with strong attention to safety protocols and technical skills. Entry-level positions may include plant operator assistants, maintenance workers, or safety technicians.

What jobs can you get at a nuclear power plant without a degree?

Entry-level positions at a nuclear power plant that typically do not require a degree include plant operator assistants, maintenance workers, security personnel, and administrative staff. These roles often require on-the-job training, safety certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Technical skills, physical fitness, and adherence to safety protocols are important for these jobs.

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

AspectEntry Level Nuclear PlantNuclear Plant Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require an associate degreeTypically requires an associate degree or technical certification in nuclear technology
Work EnvironmentPlant operations, safety protocols, maintenance tasks in nuclear facilitiesMonitoring systems, conducting tests, assisting with plant operations in nuclear facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles in nuclear power plants, utility companiesTechnicians working in nuclear power plants, maintenance, and safety teams

Both roles involve working in nuclear power plants with safety and technical skills. An Entry Level Nuclear Plant typically refers to initial positions requiring basic education, while a Nuclear Plant Technician often requires technical certifications and hands-on training. Both are essential for plant operations but differ mainly in qualification requirements and job responsibilities.

More about Entry Level Nuclear Plant jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear Plant jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Nuclear Plant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Plant jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Plant jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Nuclear Plant jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Nuclear Plant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Nuclear Plant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Nuclear Plant jobs are:
Entry Level Nuclear Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Plant 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 $69,481 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Radiological Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Chicago, IL • On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 443 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 - $90,586
Transparency Statement
Sargent & 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.

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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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