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$916

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$1.9K

How much do nuclear operator jobs pay per month?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average monthly pay for nuclear operator in the United States is $1,773.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,750.00 and $1,791.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Operator, you need a solid background in physics, mechanical systems, and safety procedures, often supported by an associate degree and completion of a rigorous training program or NRC license. Familiarity with control room instrumentation, reactor monitoring systems, and specialized simulation tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, stress management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient plant operations and adhering to strict regulatory standards.

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 shifts in a highly regulated environment, requiring specialized training and safety protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by Nuclear Operators during a typical shift?

Nuclear Operators often encounter challenges such as monitoring complex instrumentation, responding quickly to alarms, and troubleshooting equipment anomalies while maintaining strict safety protocols. They must remain vigilant and focused throughout long shifts, especially during routine maintenance or unexpected incidents. Effective communication with team members and other departments is essential to ensure coordinated, safe plant operations.

What is the difference between Nuclear Operator vs Nuclear Technician?

AspectNuclear OperatorNuclear Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma, nuclear training, and certificationRequires an associate's or bachelor's degree in nuclear technology or related field, plus certification
Work EnvironmentOperates and monitors nuclear reactors in power plantsPerforms maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting on nuclear equipment
Employer & IndustryPower generation companies, nuclear plantsNuclear facilities, research labs, power plants

Both Nuclear Operators and Nuclear Technicians work in nuclear power plants and require specialized training. While Nuclear Operators focus on operating reactors and ensuring safety during shifts, Nuclear Technicians handle maintenance, testing, and technical support. Their roles are complementary, with overlapping credentials and work environments, but distinct responsibilities within the nuclear industry.

What does a nuclear operator do?

A nuclear operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling nuclear reactor systems to ensure safe and efficient operation. They perform routine inspections, respond to alarms, and follow strict safety protocols, often working in shifts within a controlled environment. Certification and training in nuclear technology and safety procedures are essential for this role.

What are Nuclear Operators?

Nuclear Operators, also known as reactor operators, are professionals responsible for operating and monitoring the systems that control nuclear reactors at power plants. They ensure the reactor runs safely, efficiently, and within regulatory guidelines by adjusting controls, monitoring instruments, and responding to abnormalities. Their duties also include starting up or shutting down the reactor, conducting routine inspections, and following strict safety procedures to prevent accidents. Nuclear Operators must undergo extensive training and often require licensing to operate. This role is critical in maintaining the safe production of nuclear energy.

How do you become a nuclear operator?

To become a nuclear operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training at a nuclear power plant or technical school. They must pass a series of written and practical exams, obtain relevant certifications, and often complete on-the-job training to develop the necessary skills for operating nuclear reactors safely and efficiently.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $100,000 and $130,000, with top earners in specialized roles or with extensive experience reaching around $150,000. Earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and would generally require advanced positions, management roles, or significant overtime in the nuclear industry.
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Nuclear Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $21,284 per year, or $10.2 per hour.
Crane Operator

Crane Operator

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Ballston Spa, NY • On-site

$40.69/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About Us

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!

Job Description

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is seeking a highly motivated professional to join our Maintenance Operations Resource Management team. Apply to this position if you're seeking to work in a mission-driven, technically diverse and dynamic environment with a strong technical team focused on learning and continuous improvement.

Duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Qualify as a NAVFAC P-307 Crane Operator on the Kesselring Site. This includes operating mobile cranes (wheeled and track type), telehandler, and various capacity bridge cranes to NAVFAC P-307 standards.
  • Operate a variety of cranes including hydraulically operated mobile cranes, the derrick, crawler and rigger cranes, to perform complex blind hitches and lifts.
  • Use in-depth knowledge of crane capacity, boom length,and crane operation to plan and execute crane work to instructions.
  • Responsible for safe and efficient performance of all crane operations under operators direct control.
  • Must maintain crane operator certifications as required per KAPL/KSO instructions.
  • Qualify as a NAVFAC P-307 Crane Rigger. This includes in depth knowledge of rigging gear such as routine inspections and load tests, maintaining the rigging loft and the issuance of gear to qualified workers on site.
  • Work with the Millwrights when not operating cranes. Jobs include working with metal fabricating equipment such as a metal hydraulic shear, iron worker, metal brake, plate roller, drill presses and metal band saws.
  • Additional work may consist of removing or replacing large pumps, electric motors, air handling units and maintenance equipment by using crane and non-crane rigging evolutions.


*This position will require the selected candidate to qualify as a Rigger as well as a Radiation Worker.

Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill
  • Highschool diploma or equivalent

Preferred Skills
  • At least 2 years of experience as a certified crane operator
  • At least 2 years of related millwright experience
  • Experience in the layout and fabrication of complex metal configurations
  • Experience with the use of chain falls, slings, straps, shackles, table lifts, engine hoist, jib booms, load test equipment
  • Demonstrated ability to follow verbal and written work directions as well as drawing sketches

Compensation and Benefits
  • Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
  • Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
  • Personal & Medical Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
  • Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness Program
  • Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!

Pay Range

$40.69 hourly
Jobs categorized as subject to a collective bargaining agreement will adhere to the pay rates, wage increases, progression schedules, and other parameters identified and negotiated in said agreements. Wages and other compensation details are subject to change based negotiated changes to the collective bargaining agreements.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.

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