How much does a nuclear power reactor operator make?
The median nuclear power reactor operator in the United States earns $122,890 per year, about $59.08 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all nuclear power reactor operators earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 51-8011.
Nuclear power reactor operator salary range
Pay for nuclear power reactor operators spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $98,640 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $149,310. The average (mean) wage is $121,380, close to the median.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $98,640 | $47.42 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $109,440 | $52.61 | |
| Median (50th) | $122,890 | $59.08 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $130,490 | $62.73 | |
| 90th percentile | $149,310 | $71.78 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for nuclear power reactor operators (SOC 51-8011), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Nuclear power reactor operator salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Nuclear power reactor operators earn the most in New York at $129,580 a year, and the least in Nebraska at $108,650. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $129,580 | 230 |
| Illinois | $123,980 | 410 |
| Alabama | $119,000 | 360 |
| South Carolina | $118,620 | 320 |
| Nebraska | $108,650 | 50 |
State median wages for nuclear power reactor operators (SOC 51-8011), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for nuclear power reactor operators
The BLS projects employment of nuclear power reactor operators to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 5.9%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 5,200 jobs in 2025 moving toward 4,900 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 400 openings a year for nuclear power reactor operators. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a nuclear power reactor operator
The typical entry-level education for nuclear power reactor operators is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete long-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a nuclear power reactor operator earns
Industry, shift, certifications, and region drive pay, along with overtime. Skilled operators and workers in unionized plants sit near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (New York, $129,580) and the lowest (Nebraska, $108,650) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 5,150 people work as nuclear power reactor operators in the United States. At $122,890 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Nuclear power reactor operator salary FAQ
How much does a nuclear power reactor operator make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a nuclear power reactor operator is $59.08. The middle half of nuclear power reactor operators earn between $52.61 and $62.73 per hour.
What is the highest nuclear power reactor operator salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of nuclear power reactor operators earn more than $149,310 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a nuclear power reactor operator make a year?
The median annual salary for a nuclear power reactor operator is $122,890. The average (mean) wage is $121,380, close to the median.
Is being a nuclear power reactor operator a well paid job?
At $122,890 a year, a nuclear power reactor operator earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 5,150 people work as nuclear power reactor operators in the United States.
Which state pays nuclear power reactor operators the most?
New York has the highest median salary for nuclear power reactor operators at $129,580 a year. Illinois ($123,980) and Alabama ($119,000) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a nuclear power reactor operator a good career?
Employment of nuclear power reactor operators is projected to shrink 5.9% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 400 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a nuclear power reactor operator?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for nuclear power reactor operators as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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