1

Reactor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Reactor Operator

Niantic, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Clinton Nuclear Power Sation in Clinton, IL. Primary Purpose of Position The ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Byron, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Bryon Nuclear Power Station located in Byron, IL. These Initial License Trainees ...

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Clinton Nuclear Power Sation in Clinton, IL. Primary Purpose of Position The ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Kenney, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Clinton Nuclear Power Sation in Clinton, IL. Primary Purpose of Position The ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Moline, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station located in Cordova, IL. These Initial License ...

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Clinton Nuclear Power Sation in Clinton, IL. Primary Purpose of Position The ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Colfax, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Clinton Nuclear Power Sation in Clinton, IL. Primary Purpose of Position The ...

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Peach Bottom Generating Station located in Delta, PA . The primary purpose of ...

New

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Dresden Nuclear Station in Morris, IL. These Initial License Trainees (ILT) are ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Forreston, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Bryon Nuclear Power Station located in Byron, IL. These Initial License Trainees ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Rockford, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Bryon Nuclear Power Station located in Byron, IL. These Initial License Trainees ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Reactor Operator information

See salary details

$5

$22

$29

How much do reactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for reactor operator in the United States is $22.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Reactor Operator, you need a strong understanding of nuclear physics, safety protocols, and operational procedures, often supported by a technical degree and a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license. Familiarity with control room instrumentation, simulation software, and radiation monitoring systems is essential. Attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and strong communication skills help operators effectively manage complex situations and coordinate with team members. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of nuclear reactors.

What are some common challenges Reactor Operators face during shift work, and how can these be managed?

Reactor Operators often work rotating shifts, which can disrupt sleep patterns and affect work-life balance. Managing fatigue, maintaining focus during long periods of monitoring, and staying vigilant during routine and emergency scenarios are key challenges. Operators can address these by following strict handover procedures, practicing effective stress management, and adhering to regulated rest periods. Teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and other operators are also essential to ensure safe and efficient plant operations.

What are reactor operators?

Reactor operators are highly trained professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring nuclear reactors in power plants or research facilities. They ensure the reactor operates safely and efficiently by adjusting controls, monitoring instruments, and following strict safety protocols. Reactor operators respond to abnormal conditions, conduct routine inspections, and are prepared to initiate emergency shutdowns if necessary. Their work is critical for maintaining safe and reliable nuclear energy production.

What is the difference between Reactor Operator vs Nuclear Plant Technician?

AspectReactor OperatorNuclear Plant Technician
CredentialsReactor Operator license, technical trainingTechnical certifications, plant-specific training
Work EnvironmentControl room, reactor areaEquipment maintenance, monitoring systems
Job FocusOperating reactor systems, safety protocolsMaintaining equipment, troubleshooting
Industry UsagePower plants, nuclear facilitiesPower plants, nuclear facilities

Reactor Operators primarily focus on controlling and monitoring nuclear reactors, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Nuclear Plant Technicians support reactor operations through maintenance and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in nuclear power plants, but Reactor Operators have more responsibility for direct reactor control and safety procedures.

More about Reactor Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Reactor Operator jobs? Cities with the most Reactor Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Reactor Operator jobs? The most popular types of Reactor Operator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Reactor Operator jobs? The top employers for Reactor Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Reactor Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Reactor Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Reactor Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Reactor Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Reactor Operator jobs? For Reactor Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Reactor Operator

$191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Constellation Energy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 96 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Who We Are

As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest producer of clean and reliable energy, Constellation is focused on our purpose: lighting the way to a brilliant tomorrow for all. We have been the leader in clean energy production for more than a decade, and we are cultivating a workplace where our employees can grow, thrive, and contribute. Now integrated with Calpine, our portfolio includes 55 gigawatts of capacity from nuclear, natural gas, geothermal, hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 million homes.

Our culture and employee experience make it clear: We are powered by passion and purpose. Together, we're creating healthier communities and a cleaner planet, and our people are the driving force behind our success. At Constellation, you can build a fulfilling career with opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact. By doing our best work and meeting new challenges, we can accomplish great things. Join us in meeting the country's energy needs today and tomorrow.

Total Rewards

Constellation offers an extensive selection of benefits and rewards to help our employees thrive professionally and personally. We provide competitive compensation and a wide-range of benefits that support both employees and their families, helping them prepare for the future. In addition to highly competitive salaries, eligible employees are offered a bonus program, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase program comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, including robust wellbeing programs disability and life insurance benefits paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick days and much more.

  • During initial license training, Total compensation earnings eligibility ranging from $159,000.00 to $182,000.00 per year (depending on experience and past license status) including a 15% annual incentive bonus, an initial sign-on bonus, $10,000 bonus spread through training milestones, a comprehensive benefits package, and a 401k with employer matching on contributions.
  • After obtaining SRO license, Total compensation earnings eligibility from $191,000.00 per year, including a target 15% annual bonus, License Premium, as well as, extended hours pay at 1.5 times the base salary (expressed on hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage.

Relocation Assistance : Relocation assistance may be offered to those who meet the conditions in the Company&rsquos policy.

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Clinton Nuclear Power Sation in Clinton, IL.

Primary Purpose of Position

The primary purpose of this position is to train and prepare to perform the duties of an Operations Shift Supervisor who holds a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO)License. Upon completion of training the candidate will be fully licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to supervise the licensed activities of licensed reactor operators in the reactor control room. They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally.

Primary Duties and Accountabilities

  • Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which includes classroom training and examination, along with on-the-job training and evaluation.
  • Successfully complete all phases of training to obtain an SRO license in order to perform the duties of an Operations Shift Supervisor.
  • Perform other job assignments and duties as directed by management or pursuant to company policy, including but not limited to emergency response, departmental coverage, call outs, and support of outage activities in positions outside the department.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma/GED
  • Meet or exceed one of the following:
    • 1 year Reactor Operator license at a comparable facility or 1.5 years at a noncomparable facility. Comparable is PWR to PWR or BWR to BWR and noncomparable is PWR to BWR or BWR to PWR.
    • 1.5 years or more in a position equivalent to Reactor Operator (or Supervisor) at a military reactor (i.e., Power Plant Watch Engineer, Engineering Watch Supervisor, Reactor Operator, Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor). Must have 1.5 years after qualification.
    • Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical sciences, or professional engineer license, and more than 1.5 years as a qualified non-licensed operator or Staff member, Supervisor or Manager in work control, operations, engineering, outage management, maintenance, radiation protection, chemistry, or accredited training at a comparable (BWR or PWR) facility. Managerial, staff engineer, or supervisor experience at a noncomparable plant may be credited on a 1.5:1.0 basis (i.e., over 2.25 years required for noncomparable facility), and 3 years required for a nontraditional degree.
    • Current or previous SRO Instructor certification and 4 years experience at a comparable facility or 6 years experience at a non-comparable facility.
  • Maintain minimum access or unescorted access requirements, as applicable, and favorable medical examination and/or testing in accordance with position duties

What Constellation Energy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom