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Entry Level Nuclear Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plant Operator, Lead

Decatur, GA · On-site

$25.13 - $40.46/hr

Assists in the training of entry level operators and lower classifications of operators (II and ... High school diploma or GED required; four years experience as a plant operator which included two ...

Assists in the training of entry level operators and lower classifications of operators (II and ... High school diploma or GED required; four years experience as a plant operator which included two ...

Plant Operator III - Wastewater

Naples, FL · On-site

$27.23 - $38/hr

The salary listed in the reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through ... As a Plant Operator III, you'll take the lead in operating and optimizing advanced wastewater ...

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Entry Level Nuclear Plant Operator information

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$33

$61

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level nuclear plant operator 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 some common challenges faced by entry level nuclear plant operators, and how are they typically addressed?

Entry level nuclear plant operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, learning complex systems, and managing the pressure of working in a highly regulated environment. These challenges are typically addressed through comprehensive training programs, ongoing mentorship from experienced operators, and regular safety drills. Teamwork is crucial, as operators frequently collaborate with engineers and senior staff to ensure smooth operations and quick responses to any issues. Continuous learning and adherence to procedures help new operators build confidence and competence in their roles.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Nuclear Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of physics, mathematics, and mechanical systems, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a technical field. Familiarity with control room systems, radiation monitoring equipment, and industry-standard certifications such as the NRC Reactor Operator License is essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring safety and responding to critical situations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining plant safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance in a highly controlled environment.

What does an Entry Level Nuclear Plant Operator do?

An Entry Level Nuclear Plant Operator assists in the day-to-day operations of a nuclear power plant under the supervision of experienced staff. Their responsibilities include monitoring equipment, recording data, performing routine inspections, and helping to ensure that all systems are running safely and efficiently. They may also assist with start-up, shutdown, and troubleshooting tasks. Safety and adherence to strict protocols are a key part of the role. Over time, operators can advance with experience and additional training.
More about Entry Level Nuclear Plant Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Nuclear Plant Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Plant Operator jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Plant Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Nuclear Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Nuclear Plant Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, and 65% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,481 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Associate Nuclear Engineer and Physicist Nuclear

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Niskayuna, NY

$63K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets.

Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! Job Description Are you interested in learning about the nuclear power propulsion systems on the US Navy's aircraft carriers and submarines?

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is seeking an entry level engineer to join the Fleet Reactor Engineering department to lead evaluations of a wide range of nuclear reactor operations and transients. This is an excellent opportunity to gain an integrated understanding of how many different reactor designs operate while developing analytical skills that support our important mission and keep our sailors, the public, and the environment safe. The successful candidate's duties could include, but are not limited to: thermal hydraulic model development and analysis, researching and developing probabilistic models for reactor plant safety, understanding and communicating nuclear plant accident progression, developing scripts to run our models and post-process results, working productively and efficiently with a team of knowledgeable professionals to document different analyses, and understanding and communicating results to coworkers, managers, and Naval Reactors.

NNL develops and supports the world's safest and most advanced reactor plants and as an engineer in the Fleet Reactor Engineering department, your contributions will be directly tied to this important mission! Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field. Preferred Skills Experience with thermal-hydraulic analysis, scripting, and coding preferably with reactor safety computer codes such as MELCOR or post-processing in MATLAB or Python; Experience working with and debugging interpreted (Python/MATLAB) and compiled programming languages (C, C++/FORTRAN); Strong interest in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and other related subjects; Ability to understand large/complex systems including fluids, heat transfer, instrumentation and control systems, and electrical components; Strong written and verbal communications skills with an ability to articulate technical ideas in a clear and concise manner Compensation and Benefits Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits Disability, Life & Accident Insurance 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan Personal & Medical Time Off Paid Parental Leave Flexible Work Schedules Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Program Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!

Pay Range $63,900.00 - $97,800.00 annually Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S.

Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S.

Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. All candidates must be U.S.

citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce.

All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.