1

Nuclear Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Operations Instructor Multi track, must meet one of the following: High School diploma or equivalent GED and five years of related industry experience OR Associate degree in science ...

Position Specific Description Join our nuclear operations team at our Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo, Iowa! As an Operations Technician you'll serve as the eyes and hands of our Control Room ...

Senior station leader responsible for safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations, operational nuclear safety, risk management, licensed operator performance, outage execution, and regulatory ...

Position Specific Description Join our nuclear operations team at our Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo, Iowa! As an Operations Technician you'll serve as the eyes and hands of our Control Room ...

Job Summary This position is for a Nuclear Station Leader who is responsible for the Operations department and all operational aspects at the facility. This includes conduct of all licensed and non ...

Job Summary This position is for a Nuclear Station Leader who is responsible for the Operations department and all operational aspects at the facility. This includes conduct of all licensed and non ...

Job Summary This position is for a Nuclear Station Leader who is responsible for the Operations department and all operational aspects at the facility. This includes conduct of all licensed and non ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Nuclear Operations information

See salary details

$19

$51

$77

How much do nuclear operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear operations in the United States is $51.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make 500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear engineers can earn high salaries, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in specialized roles such as nuclear power plant management or research. While some senior nuclear engineers may approach or exceed $500,000 annually, such earnings are typically achieved through seniority, bonuses, and additional responsibilities, and are not common for entry-level positions.

What is the difference between Nuclear Operations vs Nuclear Engineering?

AspectNuclear OperationsNuclear Engineering
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, military or technical trainingEngineering degree, professional engineering license
Work EnvironmentPower plants, military facilities, maintenance sitesDesign labs, research facilities, power plant design
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary, energy sector, government agenciesEnergy companies, research institutions, consulting firms

Nuclear Operations focuses on the safe operation, maintenance, and security of nuclear systems, often requiring security clearances and hands-on technical skills. Nuclear Engineering involves designing, analyzing, and improving nuclear systems, requiring advanced engineering education. While both roles are vital in the nuclear industry, they differ in focus, credentials, and work environment.

How much money do nuclear operators make?

Nuclear operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in controlled environments requiring specialized training and adherence to safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Nuclear Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Nuclear Operations, you need a strong understanding of physics, engineering principles, and safety regulations, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with nuclear plant systems, control room simulators, and certifications such as NRC Reactor Operator Licensing are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient plant operations and adherence to strict regulatory standards, minimizing risks to personnel and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Nuclear Operations, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Nuclear Operations often encounter challenges such as adhering to strict regulatory requirements, maintaining safety protocols, and managing unexpected equipment issues. These challenges can be managed through continuous training, clear communication with team members, and a strong safety culture. Collaboration with engineers, technicians, and regulatory bodies is essential to ensure smooth operations and rapid problem-solving. Staying up-to-date with the latest industry regulations and best practices also helps mitigate risks and ensures operational excellence.

What are Nuclear Operations?

Nuclear operations refer to the activities involved in operating and maintaining nuclear power plants or facilities that use nuclear technology. This includes monitoring reactor systems, ensuring safety protocols are followed, conducting routine inspections, and responding to emergencies. Nuclear operations professionals play a critical role in producing electricity safely and efficiently while minimizing risks to people and the environment. They require specialized training and must adhere to strict regulatory standards.

What is the highest paying nuclear job?

The highest paying nuclear jobs are typically senior reactor operators, nuclear engineers, and nuclear project managers, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles require advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience working in nuclear power plants or related facilities.

What qualifications do you need to be a nuclear operator?

Nuclear operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring post-secondary education in nuclear technology, engineering, or related fields. They must complete specialized training and obtain certifications such as a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license, along with passing background checks and medical examinations. Strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a safety-critical environment are essential.
More about Nuclear Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Nuclear Operations jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Operations job openings:
What states have the most Nuclear Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Nuclear Operations Instructor

Nuclear Operations Instructor

DTE Energy

Newport, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


DTE Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 52 rated energy and utility


Job description

DTE is one of the nation's largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer's homes and Michigan's progress for more than a century. And as Michigan's largest source of renewable energy, we're creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We're also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states.
But we're more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities. When you join us, you'll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences and values everyone's health, safety, and wellbeing. Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.
Testing Required:
On-Site Role: Must be available to work on-site at this assigned work location.
Emergency Response: Yes - Must be available to perform a primary assignment in support of DTE's emergency response to storms or other events that impact service to our customers.
Job Summary:
Designs, develops, and implements effective classroom, laboratory, and/or simulator training using the Systematic Approach to Training process with little or no direct oversight. Ensures Operations or Technicaltraining material and presentations will result in client group performance improvement. Designs and presents training in a professional manner. Coaches and mentors' students in initial and continuing Operations orTechnical training programs. Works closely with the line organization to help resolve emerging performance needs.
Key Accountabilities:
• Conducts training in accordance with Nuclear Training procedures, work instructions, and best industry practices.
• Designs and develops visual aids, courseware, lesson plans, student texts, handouts, On the Job Training(OJT) and Task Performance Evaluation (TPE) materials.
• Searches out and incorporates nuclear and industrial Operating Experience into appropriate discipline trainingmaterial.
• Assists in maintaining National Academy of Nuclear Training accreditation for accredited training programs.
• Solicits and responds to management observations of Operations or Technical training and student feedback.
• Administers training evaluation tools to evaluate student progress and course effectiveness.
• Conducts training self-assessment activities.
• Makes changes to training material based on feedback, evaluation analysis results and industry experience.
• Emulates and reinforces management's expectations of industrial safety, reactor safety, classroom conduct,human performance etc.
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:
Nuclear Operations Instructor
Multi track, must meet one of the following:
High School diploma or equivalent GED and five years of related industry experience OR
Associate degree in science/engineering/education with three years of related industry experience OR
Bachelor's degree in science/engineering/education with one year of related industry experience
Discipline Based Qualifications
Experience must be in Nuclear Operations
Senior Nuclear Operations Instructor
This is a multi-track base requirement job; education & experience requirements can be satisfied through either of the following three options:
High School diploma or GED with seven years of industry job related experience, OR
Associate degree in science/engineering/education with five years of industry job related experience
Bachelor's degree in science/engineering/education with three years of industry job related experience
Maintains instructor and technical qualifications for assigned Operations and/or technical discipline
Discipline Based Qualifications
Experience must be in Nuclear Operations
Principal Nuclear Operations Instructor
This is a multi-track base requirement job; education & experience requirements can be satisfied through either of the following three options:
High School diploma or equivalent (GED) and nine years of related industry job experience inclusive of two years of experience with implementation of nuclear training programs using the systematic approach to training (SAT)process in related field, OR
Associate degree in science/engineering/education with seven years of related industry job experience inclusive oftwo years of experience with implementation of nuclear training programs using the systematic approach to training(SAT) process
Bachelor's degree in science/engineering/education with five years of related industry job experience inclusive of two years of experience with implementation of nuclear training programs using systematic approach to training(SAT) process
Discipline Based Qualifications
Experience must be in nuclear operations or as a nuclear licensed operator
Must hold or have held a Senior Reactor Operator License or Certification or Reactor Operator License at Fermi or a similar facility.
Must maintain qualifications to support the various operator training programs such as general instructor, simulator booth operator, Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) Certification, and simulator floor instructor (Operations Instructors).
PRIVACY NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA JOB APPLICANTS
At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.

What DTE Energy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom