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Licensed Reactor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Brogue, PA

$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

Colfax, 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

Kenney, 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

Niantic, 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 ...

DTE Energy

Licensed Nuclear Operator

Newport, MI · On-site

EEI POSS Test Job Summary This position is for a Reactor Operator license candidate who will perform the duties of a Licensed Nuclear Operator (LNO) at the Fermi 2 Power Plant located in Newport, Mi.

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Odell, 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

Mazon, 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

Clinton, IA

$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

Gardner, IL · On-site

$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

Colora, MD

$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

Tremont, 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

Bel Air, MD

$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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$5

$22

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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% 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

Cantrall, IL

$159K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 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

Who We Are

As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest producer of clean and reliable energy, Constellation is focused on our purpose: lighting the way to a brilliant tomorrow for all. We have been the leader in clean energy production for more than a decade, and we are cultivating a workplace where our employees can grow, thrive, and contribute. Now integrated with Calpine, our portfolio includes 55 gigawatts of capacity from nuclear, natural gas, geothermal, hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 million homes.
Our culture and employee experience make it clear: We are powered by passion and purpose. Together, we're creating healthier communities and a cleaner planet, and our people are the driving force behind our success. At Constellation, you can build a fulfilling career with opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact. By doing our best work and meeting new challenges, we can accomplish great things. Join us in meeting the country's energy needs today and tomorrow.

Total Rewards

Constellation offers an extensive selection of benefits and rewards to help our employees thrive professionally and personally. We provide competitive compensation and a wide-range of benefits that support both employees and their families, helping them prepare for the future. In addition to highly competitive salaries, eligible employees are offered a bonus program, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase program comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, including robust wellbeing programs disability and life insurance benefits paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick days and much more.

  • During initial license training, Total compensation earnings eligibility ranging from $159,000.00 to $182,000.00 per year (depending on experience and past license status) including a 15% annual incentive bonus, an initial sign-on bonus, $10,000 bonus spread through training milestones, a comprehensive benefits package, and a 401k with employer matching on contributions.
  • After obtaining SRO license, Total compensation earnings eligibility from $191,000.00 per year, including a target 15% annual bonus, License Premium, as well as, extended hours pay at 1.5 times the base salary (expressed on hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage. 

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be offered to those who meet the conditions in the Company&rsquos policy.

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Clinton Nuclear Power Sation in Clinton, IL.

Primary Purpose of Position

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.

Primary Duties and Accountabilities

  • Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which includes classroom training and examination, along with on-the-job training and evaluation.
  • Successfully complete all phases of training to obtain an SRO license in order to perform the duties of an Operations Shift Supervisor.
  • Perform other job assignments and duties as directed by management or pursuant to company policy, including but not limited to emergency response, departmental coverage, call outs, and support of outage activities in positions outside the department.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma/GED
  • Meet or exceed one of the following:
    • 1 year Reactor Operator license at a comparable facility or 1.5 years at a noncomparable facility. Comparable is PWR to PWR or BWR to BWR and noncomparable is PWR to BWR or BWR to PWR.
    • 1.5 years or more in a position equivalent to Reactor Operator (or Supervisor) at a military reactor (i.e., Power Plant Watch Engineer, Engineering Watch Supervisor, Reactor Operator, Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor). Must have 1.5 years after qualification.
    • Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical sciences, or professional engineer license, and more than 1.5 years as a qualified non-licensed operator or Staff member, Supervisor or Manager in work control, operations, engineering, outage management, maintenance, radiation protection, chemistry, or accredited training at a comparable (BWR or PWR) facility. Managerial, staff engineer, or supervisor experience at a noncomparable plant may be credited on a 1.5:1.0 basis (i.e., over 2.25 years required for noncomparable facility), and 3 years required for a nontraditional degree.
    • Current or previous SRO Instructor certification and 4 years experience at a comparable facility or 6 years experience at a non-comparable facility.
  • Maintain minimum access or unescorted access requirements, as applicable, and favorable medical examination and/or testing in accordance with position duties

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