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Nuclear Fuel Handler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BWR Fuel Handler

Kennewick, WA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The BWR Fuel Handler is responsible for the safe handling, movement, and inspection of ... Safely move nuclear fuel assemblies and reactor components using fuel handling equipment and ...

Spent Fuel Handler

Kennewick, WA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Spent Fuel Handler is responsible for the safe handling, movement, storage, and ... Safely handle, transfer, and store spent nuclear fuel using specialized fuel handling equipment and ...

Reactor Services Fuel Handler

Lynchburg, VA ยท On-site

$33.80 - $44.30/hr

Reactor Services Fuel Handler Location US-VA-Lynchburg ID 2025-2390 Category On Site Services ... Why This Role Is Critical As the need for nuclear energy grows, the future couldn't be brighter.

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Nuclear Fuel Handler information

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How much do nuclear fuel handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear fuel handler in the United States is $17.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear fuel handler?

A Nuclear Fuel Handler is responsible for the safe handling, transportation, and installation of nuclear fuel in power plants or research facilities. They follow strict safety protocols to minimize radiation exposure and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. Their duties may include inspecting fuel assemblies, operating specialized equipment, and assisting with reactor refueling. This role requires extensive training in radiation safety, technical procedures, and regulatory compliance.

What does a nuclear fuel handler do?

As a Nuclear Fuel Handler, your typical day involves carefully transporting, loading, and unloading nuclear fuel assemblies, monitoring radiation levels, and upholding stringent safety procedures throughout each operation. You will frequently collaborate with nuclear engineers, reactor operators, radiation safety officers, and maintenance personnel to ensure all handling and storage protocols are precisely followed. Most work is conducted within highly secured, controlled environments with a strong emphasis on teamwork and adherence to operational timelines. This role also involves thorough daily reporting and regular safety briefings to maintain transparency and compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear fuel handler?

To excel as a Nuclear Fuel Handler, you need a solid understanding of nuclear physics, radiation safety, and mechanical operations, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical certification and completion of specialized nuclear training. Familiarity with radiation detection equipment, fuel handling tools, and adherence to NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) safety protocols are essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills are important soft skills for this role. These abilities are critical to ensuring the safe and precise handling of nuclear fuel, minimizing risks, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

How much does a nuclear fuel handler make?

A nuclear fuel handler typically earns between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. The role requires specialized training and adherence to safety protocols, often involving shift work in a nuclear power plant or related facility.
More about Nuclear Fuel Handler jobs
Infographic showing various Nuclear Fuel Handler job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,374 per year, or $18 per hour.

BWR Fuel Handler

Hi Tech Solutions, LLC

Kennewick, WA โ€ข On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description:

Job Summary

The BWR Fuel Handler is responsible for the safe handling, movement, and inspection of nuclear fuel and reactor components during refueling outages and maintenance activities at commercial nuclear power plants. This position performs fuel handling operations, supports reactor maintenance, and assists with specialized refueling activities while maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety, quality, and procedural compliance.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Safely move nuclear fuel assemblies and reactor components using fuel handling equipment and specialized tooling.
  • Perform fuel handling activities in accordance with approved procedures, plant specifications, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support reactor vessel disassembly and reassembly, inspections, and specialized refueling and maintenance activities.
  • Assist with the inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fuel handling equipment and reactor service tooling.
  • Participate in pre-job briefs, work planning meetings, outage coordination, and post-outage critiques.
  • Collaborate with plant personnel, engineering, and maintenance teams to safely and efficiently complete outage activities.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and ensure all work meets safety, quality, and procedural standards.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced technicians, as assigned.
  • Identify opportunities to improve safety, efficiency, and equipment reliability.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily at commercial nuclear power plants during refueling outages. Frequent travel, overtime, weekend work, and extended shifts are expected. The position requires strict adherence to all safety, quality, radiation protection, and regulatory requirements while working in industrial and radiologically controlled environments.


Benefits:

Hi Tech Solutions, is committed to helping our employees live better lives. We offer comprehensive benefits packages to eligible employees, including competitive pay, medical, dental, disability, vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, FSA, HSA with company match, Paid Time Off, life insurance, and additional performance incentives.

"We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law."

Requirements:

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Previous experience in commercial nuclear fuel handling or refueling operations preferred.
  • Knowledge of nuclear fuel handling systems and refueling equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical procedures, drawings, and work instructions.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required nuclear access authorization and fitness-for-duty qualifications.
  • Willingness to travel extensively and work extended hours during refueling outages.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding work, including climbing, kneeling, bending, and working in confined spaces or at heights.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including respirators and fall protection.
  • Ability to meet plant-specific medical and fitness-for-duty requirements.