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The differences between nuclear operators and boiler operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a nuclear operator, becoming a boiler operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a nuclear operator has an average salary of $51,893, which is higher than the $49,782 average annual salary of a boiler operator.
The top three skills for a nuclear operator include electrical equipment, prototype and electrical systems. The most important skills for a boiler operator are preventive maintenance, air compressors, and boiler room.
| Nuclear Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $51,893 | $49,782 |
| Hourly rate | $24.95 | $23.93 |
| Growth rate | -15% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 32,513 | 32,715 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 46 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
Nuclear operators are skilled professionals who are responsible for controlling the flow of electricity that is generated by a nuclear power plant. These operators are required to maintain preventive maintenance items that are essential to the safety and efficient operations of the nuclear power plant. They must use proper protective equipment and clothing since they will be performing work in radiological controlled areas. Nuclear operators must also manage multiple operators to ensure the safe operation of all primary and secondary plant systems.
A boiler operator specializes in the maintenance and repair of boiler machines and similar facilities in industrial establishments such as warehouses, power plants, and factories. As a boiler operator, it is their responsibility to monitor and operate systems and equipment, perform adjustments, observe factors such as temperature and pressure, write daily records, and replace equipment parts as needed. They may also maintain the cleanliness of areas, keeping supplies organized at all times. Furthermore, a boiler operator must conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
Nuclear operators and boiler operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Nuclear Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Average salary | $51,893 | $49,782 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $81,000 | Between $35,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Ithaca, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | Southeastern Med |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a nuclear operator and a boiler operator in terms of educational background:
| Nuclear Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Business | Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | - |
Here are the differences between nuclear operators' and boiler operators' demographics:
| Nuclear Operator | Boiler Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 1.5% White, 77.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 8.0% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |