Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.
What they do
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.
- 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.
- Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators 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. They operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
A typical day for a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator will also include:
- Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.
- Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.
- 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.
- Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators also authorize actions to correct identified operational inefficiencies or hazards so that operating efficiency is maximized and potential environmental issues are minimized. They may also conduct inspections or operations outside of control rooms as necessary.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators 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. They might also develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
In addition, they authorize maintenance activities on units or changes in equipment or system operational status.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
To some Nuclear Power Reactor Operators, it is also their responsibility to respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
Freedom to make decisions
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Structured vs unstructured work
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What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
63% said they were satisfied with their job and 72% said they found their job meaningful.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Nuclear Power Reactor Operators with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $76,360 to $90,600 per year or $37 to $44 per hour.
| Salary range | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $64 | $133,170 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $58 | $121,120 |
| Middle (Mid 50%) | $50 | $104,040 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $44 | $90,600 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $37 | $76,360 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
Work with group or team
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Deal with external customers
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Manage or lead others
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Telephone
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Group discussions
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Public speaking
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Frequency of conflict situations
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Dealing with angry people
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Dealing with physically aggressive people
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Level of competition
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Repetition in this job
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Impact of decisions on co-workers or company results
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Frequency of decision making
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Responsibility for others’ health and safety
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Responsibility for outcomes and results
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What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
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Relevant work experience
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On The Job Training
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Should you become one
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
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