Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 5,300 people employed as nuclear power reactor operators in the United States. The median annual salary is $104,000. Entry level employees earn approximately $76,360 per year and senior employees earn approximately $133,170 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Authorize actions to correct identified operational inefficiencies or hazards so that operating efficiency is maximized and potential environmental issues are minimized.
• Direct the collection and testing of air, water, gas, or solid samples to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment.
• Direct measurement of the intensity or types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials.
• Identify or direct implementation of appropriate decontamination procedures, based on equipment and the size, nature, and type of contamination.
• Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.
• Review and edit standard operating procedures.
• Conduct inspections or operations outside of control rooms as necessary.
• Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
• Authorize maintenance activities on units or changes in equipment or system operational status.
• Supervise technicians' work activities to ensure that equipment is operated in accordance with policies and procedures that protect workers from radiation and ensure environmental safety.
• Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
• Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
• Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
• Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
• Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or the effects of generator loading on other equipment.
• Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.
• Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
• Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
• Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
• Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading.

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