Career Profile: Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 4,800 people employed as nuclear power reactor operators in the United States. The median annual salary is $104,260. Entry level employees earn approximately $79,720 per year and senior employees earn approximately $132,960 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, 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.

Career Explorer