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Nuclear Courier information

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How much do nuclear courier jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear courier in the United States is $17.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How long is nuclear courier training?

Nuclear courier training typically lasts several weeks to a few months and includes instruction on security procedures, handling protocols, and safety measures. Trainees often undergo background checks, drug testing, and obtain security clearances before starting the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Courier, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Courier, you need a strong background in security operations, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by military or law enforcement experience. Familiarity with secure communications systems, firearms proficiency, and completion of specialized federal training are typically required. Attention to detail, composure under pressure, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for safely transporting sensitive materials. These abilities are vital to ensure the secure and efficient movement of nuclear materials while upholding national security standards.

What are the main challenges faced by Nuclear Couriers, and how are they addressed in the role?

Nuclear Couriers often encounter the challenges of maintaining high security, remaining vigilant during long hours on the road, and operating under strict protocols to ensure the safe transport of sensitive materials. The role requires constant awareness, adaptability to changing conditions, and teamwork to manage risks effectively. To address these challenges, Nuclear Couriers receive specialized training in security procedures, defensive driving, and emergency response, and they work closely with law enforcement and support teams to coordinate secure operations.

How much do nuclear materials couriers make?

Nuclear courier salaries typically range from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. These roles often require security clearances, specialized training, and adherence to strict safety protocols, with some positions offering additional benefits for on-call or hazardous environment work.

What is the highest paying nuclear job?

The highest paying nuclear jobs are typically senior roles such as Nuclear Power Plant Managers, Nuclear Engineers, or Radiation Safety Managers, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions require advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience in nuclear safety, operations, or engineering environments.

What are Nuclear Couriers?

Nuclear Couriers are specially trained federal agents responsible for the secure transport of nuclear weapons, nuclear materials, and other classified assets for the U.S. Department of Energy. They ensure these materials are safely moved between facilities, often using heavily guarded convoys and advanced security measures. Their work is critical to national security and requires rigorous training, strict adherence to protocols, and the ability to respond to emergencies. Nuclear Couriers also conduct planning and risk assessments for each mission to ensure the safety of the public and the environment.

What is the highest paying courier job?

Nuclear courier positions are among the highest paying courier jobs due to the specialized handling, security clearance, and strict safety protocols required. These roles often offer higher salaries compared to standard courier jobs, with pay varying based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the materials transported.

What is the difference between Nuclear Courier vs Nuclear Security Officer?

AspectNuclear CourierNuclear Security Officer
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, CDL, specialized trainingSecurity clearance, security training, firearms certification
Work EnvironmentTransporting nuclear materials, secure facilitiesSecurity posts, access control points, secure sites
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, nuclear facilitiesSecurity firms, government agencies, nuclear sites

While both roles involve security and handling sensitive materials, Nuclear Couriers focus on transporting nuclear materials securely, whereas Nuclear Security Officers primarily oversee security at facilities. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path within the nuclear industry.

More about Nuclear Courier jobs
What states have the most Nuclear Courier jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Courier jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Courier jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Courier jobs are:
Nuclear Courier jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Courier job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, 81% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,074 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Nuclear Materials Courier

Nuclear Materials Courier

National Nuclear Security Administration

Albuquerque, NM • On-site, Remote

$78K - $81K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Summary
This announcement is to recruit for Nuclear Materials Courier positions for the future Candidate Training Academies. Applicants who currently hold an active Top Secret or Q clearance could have their appointment time expedited. Applicants hired in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Amarillo, Texas will have their pay set between $78,666.00 - $81,691.00 depending on the location.
Go to this link for more information on Federal Agent positions. https://fmt.kcnsc.doe.gov/OSTfederalagent/
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Nuclear Materials Courier, you will:
  • Serve as a member of a highly specialized armed protective force that is responsible for the safe and secure transportation of classified and/or hazardous materials including nuclear weapons, components, test assemblies, and strategic quantities of weapons-grade special nuclear materials. This involves the operation of Government-owned motor vehicles, including tractor-trailers.
  • Integrate many processes and methods in the fields of security; health and safety; emergency management; and law enforcement, including tactical operations to respond to a multitude of possible natural and/or man-made threats to the safety and security of sensitive, dangerous, and extremely valuable cargo.
  • Participate in security planning prior to trip departures; assess multiple issues and factors related to shipment security during convoy operations; coordinate with other Federal, state or local law enforcement agencies and first responders concerning the investigation of potential criminal or terrorist acts or activities that could be considered a threat to the mission.
  • Will be armed to provide the force necessary, up to and including the use of deadly force, to prevent theft, sabotage or takeover by unauthorized persons or groups. Respond quickly and effectively to environmental, resource, and safety and security issues that may arise unexpectedly in the course of mission operations.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
  • Subject to Random Drug/Alcohol Testing.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Must receive a favorable suitability determination.
  • Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity which will require that you provide two forms of identification.
  • May be required to successfully complete a one (1) probationary period. Employees serving on a probationary period may be terminated at any time during the probationary period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a Q security clearance.
  • The OST mission is performed on a 24-hour, 7-days a week basis. All employees are subject to participation in both scheduled and unscheduled emergency response exercises and events.
  • Must pass a comprehensive medical examination and psychological evaluation and continue to meet these requirements throughout employment.
  • Physical Requirements: You must be able to meet this requirement semi-annually: 1 mile in 8 minutes, 30 seconds or less and 40 yard sprint from prone position in 8 seconds or less.
  • Satisfactory completion of a training academy.
  • Required to carry a firearm and maintain qualifications on assigned weapons.
  • Must possess or acquire a valid State motor vehicle operator's license prior to appointment; have a satisfactory driving record; and complete the requirements for obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (Class A) during the training academy.
  • Occasional exposure to potential dangers from explosives and radioactive or toxic materials may occur.
  • Nuclear Materials Courier positions are designated as primary positions with special retirement provisions as defined in 5 USC 8336 (c) CSRS and 8412(d) FERS.
  • Applicants must be under age 40 at the time of appointment, with the exception of those applicants who have current covered service for comparable special retirement or those individuals who claim veterans preference.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain certification under the Department of Energy Human Reliability Program.
  • Be able to meet first aid training requirements.
  • Please limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, you will be disqualified.

Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7 or equivalent) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience that provided a knowledge of a body of laws and regulations maintaining and enforcing law and order, practices and techniques involved in protecting life and property. Law enforcement/military practices and techniques in performing high risk, armed, tactical/security operations.
Examples of Specialized Experience:
  • This experience can be obtained from security experience which could have been gained in the armed forces, Coast Guard, or other Federal, State, Local government or private organization which involved armed guard or armed-security duties on a regular basis.
  • Experience should have involved: protecting property against theft; sabotage; fire; damage; accident; trespass; maintaining law and order; or protecting lives, etc.

Your application and resume should demonstrate that you possess the following competencies. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your application how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the Competencies identified below. Cite specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position. DO NOT write "see resume" in your application.
  • Firearms
  • Personnel Security and Safety
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Teamwork
  • Vehicle Operation

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Under Title 18 USC, Section 922(g)(9), anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is automatically disqualified from being appointed to a position requiring the possession of a firearm or ammunition, unless such conviction was expunged, set aside, or the applicant received a pardon.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: The applicants' and employees' health must meet demands for performance in the position and for human reliability program certification. Before entrance on duty and during employment, applicants/employees in these positions must undergo a medical examination and be physically/medically able to perform the duties of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Failure to meet any of the required physical/medical qualifications will be considered disqualifying for employment, except when substantial evidence is presented that the individual can perform the functions of the job without hazard to himself/herself/others, with or without reasonable accommodation.
TRAINING REQUIREMENT AFTER BEING HIRED: Selected individuals will attend a Nuclear Materials Courier training academy at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas. Travel and per diem expenses will be provided during the candidate training academy. Candidates will reside in a government dormitory while attending the academy. Training at the academy will consist of firearms, tractor-trailer operations, tactics, and other required field and classroom instruction. Candidates will be evaluated during each portion of the training as well as evaluated for overall performance. Failure to perform satisfactorily will result in termination from the program and from employment in the Federal Service. Candidates will be required to qualify on assigned weapons day and night, pass a Nuclear Materials Courier Physical Fitness Standards test on the first day of training, and complete the requirements for a Commercial Driver's License during the academy. Failure to meet any qualifications during the training will result in termination from the program and from Federal employment.
Other Information:
  • Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
  • More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
  • All positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
  • All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
  • A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant in accordance with the Agency policy and applicable regulations.
  • In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.

EEO Policy: Click HERE.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Click HERE.
Veterans Information: Click HERE.
Telework: Click HERE.
Selective Service Registration: Click HERE.
Information about the NNSA Demonstration project can be found by clicking HERE.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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