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Licensed Reactor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AMS Ameren Services

Senior Reactor Operator

Steedman, MO

$105K - $162K/yr

Must meet one of the following requirements: 1)Currently a Licensed Reactor Operator or Licensed Senior Reactor Operator with one or more years of experience in the position; 2) Previously a Licensed ...

Last Energy

Reactor Operator

Bryan, TX · On-site

Interface with regulatory authorities and support inspections, audits, and licensing activities as ... NRC Reactor Operator (RO) or Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license, or equivalent certification (e ...

Last Energy

Reactor Operator

Bryan, TX

Interface with regulatory authorities and support inspections, audits, and licensing activities as ... NRC Reactor Operator (RO) or Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license, or equivalent certification (e ...

Last Energy

Reactor Operator

Bryan, TX · On-site

Interface with regulatory authorities and support inspections, audits, and licensing activities as ... NRC Reactor Operator (RO) or Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) license, or equivalent certification (e ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Newark, IL

$159K - $191K/yr

During initial license training, Total compensation earnings eligibility ranging from $159,000.00 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Verona, IL

$159K - $191K/yr

During initial license training, Total compensation earnings eligibility ranging from $159,000.00 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Dwight, IL

$159K - $191K/yr

During initial license training, Total compensation earnings eligibility ranging from $159,000.00 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Essex, IL

$159K - $191K/yr

During initial license training, Total compensation earnings eligibility ranging from $159,000.00 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Elwood, IL

$159K - $191K/yr

During initial license training, Total compensation earnings eligibility ranging from $159,000.00 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Ottawa, IL

$159K - $191K/yr

During initial license training, Total compensation earnings eligibility ranging from $159,000.00 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Mahomet, IL

$159K - $191K/yr

During initial license training, Total compensation earnings eligibility ranging from $159,000.00 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

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Licensed Reactor Operator information

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How much do licensed reactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for licensed reactor operator in the United States is $22.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Licensed Reactor Operators?

Licensed Reactor Operators are professionals who control and monitor nuclear reactors in power plants. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the reactor, following strict procedures and protocols to maintain safety and regulatory compliance. These operators must be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and undergo rigorous training and testing. Their duties include starting up, shutting down, and troubleshooting reactors, as well as responding to emergencies. The role is critical for public safety and the reliable production of nuclear energy.

What is the highest paid plant operator?

The highest paid plant operators are typically senior or specialized roles such as nuclear reactor operators or power plant supervisors, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Nuclear reactor operators, in particular, tend to earn the highest wages due to the technical expertise and certifications required in nuclear power plants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Licensed Reactor Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Licensed Reactor Operator, you need a solid background in physics, engineering, or a related technical field, along with completion of specialized reactor operator training and an NRC license. Familiarity with reactor control systems, instrumentation, and safety protocols is essential, as is proficiency with plant-specific monitoring software. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication skills are crucial for addressing routine operations and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of nuclear reactors, protecting both personnel and the public.

What is the difference between Licensed Reactor Operator vs Nuclear Plant Technician?

AspectLicensed Reactor OperatorNuclear Plant Technician
Required CredentialsReactor Operator License, training, and certification from NRCTechnical training, certifications in nuclear systems, but no license required
Work EnvironmentControl room, reactor containment, plant operationsMaintenance, monitoring, and support roles in plant areas
Employer & Industry UsagePower plants, nuclear facilitiesNuclear power plants, research reactors

Licensed Reactor Operators are responsible for controlling nuclear reactors and require specific NRC licenses, while Nuclear Plant Technicians support plant operations through maintenance and monitoring without needing a license. Both roles are vital in nuclear power plants but differ in responsibilities and certification requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by Licensed Reactor Operators during their shifts?

Licensed Reactor Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected operational anomalies, coordinating closely with engineering and maintenance teams during equipment troubleshooting, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols under pressure. They must continuously monitor complex control panels and rapidly interpret data to ensure the reactor remains within safe operational limits. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, especially during high-stress situations like plant startups, shutdowns, or emergency drills.
More about Licensed Reactor Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Licensed Reactor Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Licensed Reactor Operator jobs are:
Licensed Reactor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Licensed Reactor Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,880 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Senior Reactor Operator

Senior Reactor Operator

Constellation Energy

Braceville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Constellation Energy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 96 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Description
The primary purpose of this position is to train and prepare to perform the duties of an Operations Shift Supervisor who holds a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) License. Upon completion of training the candidate will be fully licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to supervise the licensed activities of licensed reactor operators in the reactor control room. They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally.
Locations: Clinton, Braceville, and Morris, IL -Stations.
Must-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:
  • Navy Nuke Background, primarily ETs, is the ideal fit
  • Prior supervisory and/or leadership experience
  • Will need to complete Plant Operator Selection System (POSS), Basic Math and Science Test (BMST), and FLS (First Line Supervisor) assessment
  • There are 2 Pathways to qualification based on Military Service:
    • Pathway 1: Combination of holding one of these 5 job titles for 18 months with the correlating NEC code:
      • Reactor Operator (RO)
      • Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOW)
      • Propulsion Plant Watch Officer (PPWO)
      • Engineering Watch Supervisor (EWS)
      • Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor (PPWS)
    • Correlating NEC Codes:
      • N13S - Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Reactor Control
      • N14S - Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Electrical
      • N15S - Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Mechanical
      • N16S - Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Engineering Laboratory Technician
      • N23S - Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Reactor Control
      • N24S - Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Electrical
      • N25S - Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Mechanical
      • N26S - Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Engineering Laboratory Technician
      • N33Z - Submarine Engineering Watch Supervisor And Surface Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor
      • U16A - Shipboard Engineering Plant Program Manager
      • U65A - Amphibious Command Ship (LCC)/Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Steam Plant Operations (SPO) Qualified
  • Pathway 2: Certified Instructor
    • Certified by utility or by an NSSS vendor training program. Has completed the same training as a licensed SRO including generic fundamentals. Length of required nuclear power plant facility experience is as follows:
    • For Comparable: Experience credited at 1:1 ratio. Current or commercial power reactor facility. Same vendor and vintage. More than 4 years.
    • For Noncomparable: Experience credited at 1.5:1 ratio. Current or commercial power reactor facility. Different reactor type (BWR OR PWR), vendor, and/or vintage. More than 6 years.

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