To become a nuclear reactor operator, or power plant operator, you need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Though some employers may require a bachelor’s degree in power plant technology or a related field, many nuclear reactor operator jobs only require a vocational school certificate or significant work experience with nuclear reactors. Whether through formal education or on-the-job training, you should learn the basics of nuclear power generation, gaining knowledge on turbines, generators, safety protocols, and appropriate equipment operation. In addition to your training, you must become licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in order to be a nuclear reactor operator.

If you are interested in a job related to Nuclear Reactor Operator, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Nuclear Reactor Operator Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Nuclear Reactor Operator positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Trainee Nuclear Plant
Salary range: $65,500 - $100,000
Trainee Nuclear Plant is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Trainee Nuclear Plant jobs pay between $65,500 (25th percentile) and $100,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Trainee Nuclear Plant job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Nuclear Chemical Operator
Salary range: $38,500 - $44,000
Nuclear Chemical Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Nuclear Chemical Operator jobs pay between $38,500 (25th percentile) and $44,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Nuclear Chemical Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Senior Reactor Operator
Salary range: $41,500 - $103,000
Senior Reactor Operator is a common job search query. Most salaries for Senior Reactor Operator jobs pay between $41,500 (25th percentile) and $103,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Senior Reactor Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Reactor Physics
Salary range: $26,000 - $53,000
Reactor Physics is a typical job search query Most salaries for Reactor Physics jobs pay between $26,000 (25th percentile) and $53,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Reactor Physics job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Nuclear Instructor
Salary range: $37,500 - $95,000
Nuclear Instructor is a typical job search query Most salaries for Nuclear Instructor jobs pay between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $95,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Nuclear Instructor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Nuclear Reactor Engineer
Salary range: $98,500 - $118,000
Nuclear Reactor Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Nuclear Reactor Engineer jobs pay between $98,500 (25th percentile) and $118,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Nuclear Reactor Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
From Home Nuclear Engineer
Salary range: $98,500 - $118,000
From Home Nuclear Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for From Home Nuclear Engineer jobs pay between $98,500 (25th percentile) and $118,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for From Home Nuclear Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Nuclear Scientist
Salary range: $70,500 - $88,500
Nuclear Scientist is a common job search query. Most salaries for Nuclear Scientist jobs pay between $70,500 (25th percentile) and $88,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Nuclear Scientist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Nuclear Machinist Mate
Salary range: $43,500 - $59,500
Nuclear Machinist Mate is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Nuclear Machinist Mate jobs pay between $43,500 (25th percentile) and $59,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Nuclear Machinist Mate job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Duke Energy Nuclear Plant Security
Salary range: $27,000 - $112,000
Duke Energy Nuclear Plant Security is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Duke Energy Nuclear Plant Security jobs pay between $27,000 (25th percentile) and $112,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Duke Energy Nuclear Plant Security job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

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