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Entry Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NAES Corporation

Power Plant Operator

Ferndale, WA · On-site

$46.47 - $48.29/hr

Opportunity Summary The Power Plant Operator at the Ferndale Generating Station is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of turbines, generators, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems. This role ...

Central Health

Power Plant Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

Overview The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain and adjust boilers, furnaces, engines ...

Central Health

Power Plant Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

Overview The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain and adjust boilers, furnaces, engines ...

NAES Corporation

Power Plant Operator

Ferndale, WA · On-site

Opportunity Summary The Power Plant Operator at the Ferndale Generating Station is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of turbines, generators, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems. This role ...

Rhode Island College

Power Plant Operator

Providence, RI · On-site

$50K/yr

Position Overview The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the College's central heating and power plant during an assigned shift. This position ...

Indeck Energy Services

Power Plant Operator

Olean, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

MUST BE ABLE TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES WITHOUT EMPLOYER SUPPORT OR SPONSORSHIP Power Plant Operators & Military Vets w/ Electrical or Maintenance Experience Please Apply Indeck Energy Services is ...

Apply Early

CommonSpirit Health

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO · On-site

As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by being responsible for operating ...

Indeck Energy Services

Power Plant Operator

Tonawanda, NY · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Power Plant Operator * Indeck-Yerkes Facility * Tonawanda, NY, 14150 COME JOIN OUR TEAM! * Must be able to work in the United States without employer support or sponsorship. Indeck Energy Services is ...

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St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$27.28 - $43.06/hr

As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by being responsible for operating ...

St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO

$27.28 - $43.06/hr

As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by being responsible for operating ...

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All JobsEntry Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator Jobs

Entry Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator information

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$18

$33

$61

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

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level nuclear power 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 does an entry level nuclear power plant operator do?

An entry level nuclear power plant operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling systems that generate nuclear power under the supervision of experienced operators. Their duties include reading instruments, adjusting controls, recording data, and assisting with routine maintenance and safety checks. They follow strict protocols to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant while learning the skills needed for more advanced roles. Training and certification are typically required before independently managing any critical operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level nuclear power plant operators, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level nuclear power plant operators often face the challenge of mastering complex systems and procedures while adhering to strict safety protocols. The learning curve can be steep, as operators must quickly become familiar with plant operations, emergency responses, and regulatory requirements. To overcome these challenges, new operators benefit from thorough training programs, mentorship from experienced colleagues, and active participation in drills and simulations. Building strong communication skills and asking questions when unsure are also key to success in this highly regulated environment.

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

AspectEntry Level Nuclear Power Plant OperatorNuclear Power Plant Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training and certification from NRCAssociate degree or technical certification; specialized training
Work EnvironmentControl room, plant floor, safety protocolsEquipment maintenance, testing, troubleshooting in plant facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitor reactor operations, follow safety procedures, respond to alarmsMaintain and repair plant equipment, assist in inspections

While both roles work within nuclear power plants and require safety training, Entry Level Nuclear Power Plant Operators focus on monitoring and controlling reactor operations, whereas Nuclear Power Plant Technicians handle equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Both positions are essential for safe plant operation and often require similar certifications, but their daily tasks differ significantly.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, strong math and science skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional technical training preferred. Familiarity with control room systems, SCADA software, and regulatory compliance procedures is important, and successful candidates often pursue NRC operator licensing. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient plant operations and compliance with strict safety standards, which are critical in the nuclear energy industry.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator job openings:
What states have the most Entry Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator jobs include:
Entry Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 60% Full Time, and 20% 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.
Power Plant Operator

Power Plant Operator

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

Bethel, AK • On-site

$22.76/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative is looking for a Power Plant Operator in Bethel, Alaska. If you are reliable, dependable, and capable of working with minimum supervision then you will be a great addition to the team in Bethel.

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) stands as a unique electric generation and distribution cooperative, serving 59 communities across Alaska. Our operation spans 46 small, isolated grids relying on a mix of diesel, wind, and solar generation to power 11,513 meters and maintain 515 miles of distribution line.

As a Power Plant Operator you are responsible for the safe operation of the village plant and will be completing housekeeping, plant checks, plant log reporting, and system inspections and maintenance. A typical day for the Power Plant Operator will include reading meters as directed by AVEC representatives, maintaining logs, conducting and verifying inventory levels, maintenance and upkeep of batteries, bus voltage, radiators, fire suppression system, engines and other equipment located at the plant facility.

Rewards: The Power Plant Operator starts at $22.76 per hour. The Cooperative offers an excellent benefit package to include an employer-paid pension plan, 401K with an employer match, generous leave starting at 14 hours per month, two different health insurance plans, vision, dental, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance.

Ready to power Alaska's future?

The next step is to complete our short online application.

AVEC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can shine as brightly as the Northern Lights.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro