Last updated: August 6, 2020
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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.
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Job description
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.
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Salary
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators with little to no experience tend to make between $68200 and $80290 while the more experienced ones can earn over $111070 per year.
| Top 5 paying states | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| PA | $51 | $106,870 |
| NC | $49 | $101,520 |
| MS | $47 | $97,040 |
| TN | $43 | $90,190 |
| IL | $42 | $87,340 |
One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator is to move to a higher paying state like PA. Right now, the highest paying states for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators are PA, NC, MS, TN and IL.
However, a higher pay at PA doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at PA might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.
Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.
Requirements
We asked other Nuclear Power Reactor Operators what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by a Post-Secondary Certificate.
Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.
| Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician |
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator.
| PROS |
|---|
| Suitable for people who likes 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 likes to help and teach others |
| Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week) |
What is the job like
63% of Nuclear Power Reactor Operators said they were satisfied with their job and 72% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.
Is this right for me
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tends 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.
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