Description:

• Responsible for managing and monitoring the complete operations of a nuclear reactor. This includes supervising control room activities and other operators, and ensuring maintenance of equipment and components with standard procedures.

Salary Range*:

• $41,000 - $90,000.

Job Growth:

• 10.6% from 2006-2016.
  

Education Required:

• High school diploma minimum. Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, or physical science for more senior operator positions.

Job Requirement(s):

• Hold Reactor Operator license, typically 10 CFR 55 and NUREG-1021. Minimum of 2-3 years of power plant experience and 1 year at a nuclear power plant.

Relevant Military Job:

• Power plant operator.

Branch of Service Offering Job:

• Air Force; Army; Coast Guard; Marines; Navy.
  

Core Skills:

• Operate and monitor facility and associated equipment, systems analysis, troubleshooting, judgment and decision making.

Examples of Employers:

• Duke Energy; AmerGen Energy; TXU Generation; Unioin Electric; Exelon Generation; Pacific Gas and Electric; Arizona Public Service.

Job Openings:

• 2,000 total from 2006-2016.

Difficulty for Entry:

• High, due to experience working at power plants, licensing requirements, and very short supply of job openings.

Sources: PayScale; Bureau of Labor Statistics.

*Note: Salaries will vary based on years of relevant work experience,
education, and other employer requirements.