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Nuclear Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Nuclear Officer information

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$17

$25

$36

How much do nuclear officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear officer in the United States is $25.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear officer?

Nuclear Officers are commissioned military personnel responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and security of nuclear-powered vessels or facilities, such as submarines, aircraft carriers, or land-based installations. They ensure the safe handling and use of nuclear materials, supervise technical teams, and enforce strict safety protocols. Their duties also include training crew members, managing emergency procedures, and ensuring compliance with national and international nuclear regulations. Nuclear Officers play a critical role in national security and the safe use of nuclear technology within the armed forces.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Officer, you need a solid background in engineering, physics, or a related technical field, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized military or civilian nuclear training. Familiarity with nuclear reactor systems, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance—as well as certifications like Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensure or Navy Nuclear Power School—are commonly required. Strong leadership, critical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills to excel in this high-responsibility role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of nuclear systems, protecting both personnel and the environment.

What are some typical challenges nuclear officers face in ensuring regulatory compliance and safety standards?

Nuclear Officers must stay current with evolving safety regulations and industry standards, which can be challenging given the complexity and high stakes of the nuclear environment. They are responsible for coordinating with multiple teams to implement safety protocols, conduct inspections, and respond swiftly to potential incidents. Ensuring clear communication between operations, engineering, and regulatory bodies is essential, as is maintaining rigorous documentation and reporting. These challenges require strong attention to detail, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset to promote a culture of safety and compliance.

What is the difference between Nuclear Officer vs Nuclear Engineer?

AspectNuclear OfficerNuclear Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in nuclear engineering, physics, or related field; military or specialized certificationsRequires a degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field; professional engineering license often preferred
Work EnvironmentMilitary or naval settings, nuclear power plants, defense facilitiesNuclear power plants, research labs, industrial facilities
Employer & IndustryMilitary/naval, defense, government agenciesPrivate sector energy companies, government agencies, research institutions

While both Nuclear Officers and Nuclear Engineers work with nuclear technology, Nuclear Officers often serve in military or defense roles with a focus on operational management and safety protocols, whereas Nuclear Engineers typically focus on designing, developing, and maintaining nuclear systems in civilian industries. Their credentials overlap, but their work environments and employer types differ significantly.

What states have the most Nuclear Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Nuclear Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Officer jobs?

For Nuclear Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,714 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Navy Nuclear Propulsions Program - NY/NJ

Huntington, NY • On-site

U.S. Navy
National Security • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 381 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

For current undergraduate and graduate students, and those with a current degree, you have the opportunity to earn a salary and a guaranteed Navy commissioning program while finishing school through the ++Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program++. 

++Nuclear Officers++

If accepted into the NUPOC program, you can expect the following:

  • Accession bonus of $30,000.
  • $6,000 per month while working through your remaining degree program, up to 42 months for undergraduates. Graduates or dual bachelor and masters programs can vary.
  • Free medical and dental care.
  • Retirement match (TSP/ROTH IRA).
  • No military obligation while working through your degree.
  • Your time in the NUPOC program counts towards your years of service within paygrade!

Eligibility Requirements

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • ~3.0 + GPA
  • Able to meet health and legal screening requirements

You’ll receive hands-on training on the nuclear industry, plant operations, leadership, and management skills, and immediately have a job as a Naval Nuclear Officer. If your interests eventually lead toward the private sector, our program is a great method to build your resume quickly. Industry leads and headhunters specifically look for NUPOC members; your career, training, and education as a Naval Nuclear Officer translates easily into the private sector. 

If you are also in the pursuit or looking towards a master’s program, we do also accept applications to support this continued education timeline.

Interested candidates should contact the local Navy Officer Programs Recruiter to discuss the opportunity to participate in an installation visit to see if this career is right for you. The fleet visit is an all-expenses paid 3-day trip to San Diego, CA, to visit and meet with currently serving Nuclear Officers. These trips are conducted every month and there is no obligation to join the program in order to attend.

Naval Surface Warfare Officer 8.5 W-19.5W

Job description

ABOUT - If you’re a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), you have what it takes to lead by example. Maintain and operate the most advanced fleet of ships in the world—along with the crews that support them. Your team of Sailors will look to you for guidance, so you’ll need to become an expert on everything from engineering to combat systems to navigation. Communicate your mission and goals with your crew to ensure everything is smooth sailing. If you see yourself commanding a Naval ship as a Captain one day, this is the role that will get you there.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS -

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Bachelor’s degree

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

PAY AND BENEFITS - From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

RESPONSIBILITIES - Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) are involved in virtually every aspect of Navy missions. As a SWO, you may be in charge of any number of shipboard operations and activities while at sea, working with or within any of these specialized forces:

  • Aircraft Carrier Forces: Provide and coordinate air, submarine and surface ship defense for aircraft carriers.
  • Cruiser-Destroyer Forces: Provide ship attack and defensive measures with a wide array of missile and fire power capabilities, providing anti-air, -submarine and -surface warfare support.
  • Amphibious Forces: Embark and transport vehicles, equipment and personnel for amphibious assault operations.
  • Combat-Logistics Forces: Provide combatant ships with fuel, ammunition, food and supplies, and provide repair, maintenance and rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships.
  • Mine Warfare Forces: Detect, identify and neutralize threats from hostile use of maritime mines.

You may also be interested in becoming a Surface Warfare Officer within the prestigious Navy Nuclear community where you will have the opportunity to work on some of the world’s most powerful nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT - As a Surface Warfare Officer, you will work at sea and on shore, in a variety of environments. Sea duty could place you aboard ships within the fleet. Shore duty may involve a tour of duty at the Pentagon, a student assignment at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, or command and management positions at shore bases and stations around the world.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES - Wherever you are in your professional career, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs. Beyond professional credentials and certifications, Surface Warfare Officers can advance their education by:

  • Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
  • Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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