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Entry Level Nuclear Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Electric Power

Utility Operator

Bridgman, MI · On-site

$33.89 - $36.18/hr

... * Entry Level. Other Requirements: * Must be able to pass the preemployment POSS Test.Specific knowledge of nuclear standards and nuclear policies, practices and procedures relating to plant ...

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Entry Level Nuclear Plant information

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$18

$33

$61

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

As of Jun 12, 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 Trainee, Maintenance Technician, or Radiological Control Technician. These roles often require a high school diploma or equivalent, basic technical skills, and may involve on-the-job training or certifications like OSHA or NRC safety training.

How much does a worker at a nuclear power plant make?

Entry-level nuclear plant workers typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on location and experience. These roles often require technical training, certifications, and adherence to strict safety protocols, with salaries increasing with experience and specialized skills.

Is it hard to get a job at a nuclear power plant?

Getting a job at a nuclear power plant can be competitive and typically requires relevant education, such as a degree in engineering or nuclear technology, along with specialized training and certifications like NRC licensing. Entry-level positions often require a strong safety record and the ability to pass background checks and physical exams. Familiarity with plant operations and safety protocols is also important for employment in this field.

Can you work in a nuclear plant without a degree?

Entry level positions in nuclear plants typically require a high school diploma or equivalent; however, many roles also require specialized training, certifications, or technical skills. A college degree is often preferred for certain technical or engineering roles, but some entry-level jobs may be available with relevant training and experience. Safety and regulatory requirements also influence qualification standards for nuclear plant employment.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 73% Part Time, and 2% Contract. 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.
Structural Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Structural Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description
This position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in structural engineering in a professional position offering a wide range of interesting and challenging responsibilities. You will team up with other engineers and designers from various disciplines involved in the design of new nuclear facilities, nuclear plant betterment, and associated modifications.
  • As an Entry-Level Structural Engineer, you will have the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
  • As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of projects for various clients. You will prepare design calculations, develop specifications, and support designers with drawing development.
  • Using our state-of-the-art computer tools, you will perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, and foundations.
  • Additionally, you will conduct structural analyses, which include loading conditions such as wind and seismic.

Additional opportunities will include:
  • Receive training and mentorship from experienced structural design engineers in the execution of meaningful project engineering assignments.
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
  • A Bachelor's or Master's of Science in Structural/Civil Engineering with a strong academic background and interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
    • Completion of coursework in steel and concrete design
  • Knowledge of the practical application of structural engineering including loads analysis for structural supports and design integrity
  • An understanding of the practical application of structural engineering including applying principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design
  • Knowledge of structural design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications

Valued but not required skills and experience:
  • A Bachelor's or Master's of Science from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
  • Experience in writing and providing support documentation for Structural Engineering calculations
  • Familiarity with structural analysis software such as MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, GT STRUDL, or ANSYS
  • Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, N690, ACI 318, and ACI 349

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!
Awards & Recognition
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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