Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Program - TX
Rio Grande City, TX · On-site
$150K/yr
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Program - TX
Rio Grande City, TX · On-site
$150K/yr
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Program - TX
Waco, TX · On-site
$150K/yr
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Program - TX
Waco, TX · On-site
$150K/yr
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power. * Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton ...
Project Manager - Engineering
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Project Manager - Engineering
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Project Manager - Engineering
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Quick apply
Project Manager - Engineering
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Nuclear Training Instructor
Lockhart, TX · On-site +1
$52K - $68K/yr
Be aware of and familiar with fast reactor core design and analysis work being performed internationally, as well as related benchmark calculations and experiments being performed internationally
Nuclear Training Instructor
Lockhart, TX · On-site +1
$52K - $68K/yr
Be aware of and familiar with fast reactor core design and analysis work being performed internationally, as well as related benchmark calculations and experiments being performed internationally
Refueling & Remote Handling Engineer
Houston, TX · Remote
$110K - $150K/yr
Mechanical Design Engineer - Remote Handling & Reactor Servicing Location: Full-Time Remote (Contiguous U.S.) Hire Type: Direct Hire Shift/Hours: Monday-Friday, standard business hours Base Salary ...
Quick apply
Refueling & Remote Handling Engineer
Houston, TX · Remote
$110K - $150K/yr
Mechanical Design Engineer - Remote Handling & Reactor Servicing Location: Full-Time Remote (Contiguous U.S.) Hire Type: Direct Hire Shift/Hours: Monday-Friday, standard business hours Base Salary ...
Systems Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$130K/yr
You will oversee safety-related reactor systems at Aalo-X-handling design, operations, performance tracking, and lifecycle support. What you'll do * Lead and Develop Requirements Management Processes ...
Systems Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$130K/yr
You will oversee safety-related reactor systems at Aalo-X-handling design, operations, performance tracking, and lifecycle support. What you'll do * Lead and Develop Requirements Management Processes ...
Safeguards Specialist
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Safeguards Specialist
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Safeguards Specialist
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Quick apply
Safeguards Specialist
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Project Manager Engineering
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Quick apply
Project Manager Engineering
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Vice President, Product Engineering
Austin, TX · On-site
$178K - $230K/yr
Fuel and Core, Reactor, Steam Generator, Turbine Generator, Electrical, Instrumentation and Control, Refueling, and Artificial Intelligence. Each Module Owner is a senior technical leader for their ...
Vice President, Product Engineering
Austin, TX · On-site
$178K - $230K/yr
Fuel and Core, Reactor, Steam Generator, Turbine Generator, Electrical, Instrumentation and Control, Refueling, and Artificial Intelligence. Each Module Owner is a senior technical leader for their ...
Safeguards Specialist
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Quick apply
Safeguards Specialist
Bryan, TX · On-site
We are growing our workforce to develop and deploy our Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) small modular nuclear plant to provide cost-competitive, clean firm heat and power to industry. The Company ...
Reactor information
See Texas salary details
$17.47 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.05 - $17.76
26% of jobs
The median wage is $22.19 / hr.
$17.76 - $23.47
31% of jobs
$23.47 - $29.17
17% of jobs
$29.97 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$29.17 - $34.88
9% of jobs
$34.88 - $40.59
0% of jobs
$40.59 - $46.30
2% of jobs
$46.30 - $52
1% of jobs
$52 - $57.71
3% of jobs
$57.71 - $63.42
4% of jobs
$63.42 - $69.13
3% of jobs
$69.13 - $74.84
3% of jobs
$12
$30
$74
How much do reactor jobs pay per hour?
Is it hard to become a reactor operator?
What is the difference between Reactor vs Technician?
| Aspect | Reactor | Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Typically requires a degree in engineering or nuclear technology, along with specialized reactor operation certifications | Usually needs technical diploma or associate degree, with specific technical certifications |
| Work Environment | Operates in nuclear power plants or research reactors, following strict safety protocols | Works in maintenance, troubleshooting, and support roles within industrial or nuclear facilities |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Commonly employed by nuclear power plants, research institutions, and energy companies | Employed across various industries including energy, manufacturing, and maintenance services |
The main difference between a Reactor and a Technician lies in their roles and responsibilities. Reactors are specialized operators managing nuclear systems, requiring advanced certifications and working in high-security environments. Technicians support these operations through maintenance and technical support, often with less advanced credentials. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry, but they differ in scope, training, and daily tasks.
What are some common challenges faced by reactor operators during daily operations?
What is a reactor?
How much do reactor operators get paid?
How to get a job at a nuclear reactor?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear reactor operator?

$150K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Retirement
Re-posted 17 days ago
United States Navy rating
6.4
Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
42nd of 49 rated military and defense
Job description
Location: Nationwide (training in Charleston, SC; potential duty stations worldwide) Pay: ~$70,000 annually while in college; $80,000–$90,000 starting post-graduation; $150,000+ by the end of a 5-year contract Bonus: $30,000 upon acceptance
About the Program
The NUPOC Program offers a direct pathway into one of the most elite and intellectually demanding communities in the U.S. Navy. While completing your degree, you’ll receive full pay and benefits as an active-duty Ensign. Upon graduation, you’ll begin a 5-year active-duty contract as a Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer, leading highly trained teams and managing the operation of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers.
What You’ll Do
As a NUPOC officer, you’ll select one of several career tracks, each offering unique leadership opportunities:
Submarine Officer
- Lead as one of only a handful of officers aboard a nuclear-powered fast-attack or ballistic missile submarine.
- Responsible for the safe operation of the reactor, ship systems, and navigation.
- Gain hands-on experience in tactics, intelligence, and nuclear propulsion while serving in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.
Aircraft Carrier (Surface Nuclear) Officer
- Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power.
- Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton warship and its air wing operational.
- Combine engineering leadership with strategic-level operations experience.
Nuclear Power School Instructor
- Teach newly commissioned officers the fundamentals of nuclear science and reactor operations at the Navy’s Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC.
- Develop the next generation of nuclear-trained officers through rigorous academic instruction in thermodynamics, reactor physics, and systems engineering.
- Sharpen your own technical expertise while building mentorship and teaching skills.
Training Reactor Instructor
- Train officer and enlisted students on a prototype naval reactor — an operational, land-based nuclear plant.
- Oversee students as they perform watchstanding, drills, and reactor operations in real-world conditions.
- Gain unique experience blending engineering leadership, reactor operations, and high-stakes training.
Naval Reactors Engineer
- Serve in Washington, D.C. at Naval Reactors Headquarters, the program that Admiral Rickover built.
- Work directly with civilian engineers, shipyards, and national laboratories to design, develop, and maintain nuclear propulsion systems for the entire fleet.
- Gain unmatched technical project management experience at the intersection of engineering and policy.
Benefits
- Compensation & Stability:
- ~$70,000 annually while still in school
- $80,000–$90,000 starting salary after graduation
- $150,000+ annual earning potential by the end of your initial 5-year contract
- $30,000 signing bonus upon acceptance
- Full active-duty benefits (healthcare, housing allowance, retirement accrual)
- Career Growth:
- Accelerated leadership training
- Hands-on experience with advanced nuclear propulsion technology
- Career flexibility across Navy communities and post-service civilian careers
- Education Support:
- Possible graduate school opportunities
- World-class nuclear training pipeline in Charleston, SC
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. Citizen
- At least 19 years old and no older than 29 at commissioning (waivers possible)
- Currently enrolled in or completed:
- Calculus I & II
- Physics I & II with calculus
- No specific major required — applicants from all degree programs are eligible if coursework requirements are met
- Strong academic performance
What United States Navy employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About US Navy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
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