How To Become A Nuclear Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a nuclear operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A nuclear operator, known as an RO, controls the flow of electricity generated by a nuclear power plant. These professionals maintain the equipment, regulate the start-up or shut-down of the facility, and respond to issues and implement solutions. Nuclear operators also direct, adjust, test, and operate pumps, valves, controls, and other components of systems that are responsible for transferring power to a power grid. They also perform routine tests and maintenance of electrical switches and others to ensure the continuity of energy generation.

To land a job as a nuclear operator, a high school diploma is the only basic educational requirement, but if you have a bachelor's or a vocational school degree in nuclear engineering, that can make you a more attractive candidate. Some nuclear operators have also received training in the military, especially the Navy. If you are considering a career as a nuclear operator, be aware that the job field is expected to decline by 16% by 2028. However, if you do get hired on, you can make up to $86,000 per year.

ScoreNuclear OperatorUS Average

Salary

4.1

Avg. Salary $51,893

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

9.2

Growth Rate -15%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.41%

Asian 1.48%

Black or African American 5.71%

Hispanic or Latino 7.83%

Unknown 5.47%

White 77.11%

Gender

female 6.85%

male 93.15%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress Level

9.2

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

7.0

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

3.9

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a nuclear operator

Explore nuclear operator education requirements

Most common nuclear operator degrees

Bachelor's

59.7 %

Associate

16.0 %

High School Diploma

11.8 %

Start to develop specific nuclear operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Electrical Equipment	18.16%
Prototype	14.73%
Electrical Systems	14.40%
Radiological	13.33%
Test Equipment	12.59%

Complete relevant nuclear operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New nuclear operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a nuclear operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real nuclear operator resumes.

Research nuclear operator duties and responsibilities

Manage and direct the development of the sector AOP and of proper controls to ensure program/project spending meets sector expectations.
Used schematics, wiring diagrams, and specialize test equipment to troubleshoot and locate faults down to the component level.
Serve as ship's HVAC technician for (4) 150 ton marine A/C units for 3 years.
Serve in engineering department on fast attack submarine USS Omaha

Prepare your nuclear operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your nuclear operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a nuclear operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Nuclear Operator Resume templates

Build a professional Nuclear Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Nuclear Operator resume.