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The differences between nuclear operators and nuclear engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a nuclear engineer has an average salary of $99,677, which is higher than the $51,893 average annual salary of a nuclear operator.
The top three skills for a nuclear operator include electrical equipment, prototype and electrical systems. The most important skills for a nuclear engineer are security clearance, oversight, and project management.
| Nuclear Operator | Nuclear Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $51,893 | $99,677 |
| Hourly rate | $24.95 | $47.92 |
| Growth rate | -15% | -11% |
| Number of jobs | 32,513 | 8,747 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
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 nuclear engineer directs the operation and maintenance of operational nuclear power plants. Nuclear engineers make sure that the power plants are efficient and in conformity with the safety standards. They research and create instruments, systems, and processes to derive the benefits of nuclear radiation and energy. Their duties and responsibilities include finding the medical and industrial uses of radioactive materials. They also perform other tasks related to nuclear technology and radiation.
Nuclear operators and nuclear engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Nuclear Operator | Nuclear Engineer | |
| Average salary | $51,893 | $99,677 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $81,000 | Between $67,000 And $147,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | Nevada |
| Best paying company | - | Baker Hughes |
| Best paying industry | - | Utilities |
There are a few differences between a nuclear operator and a nuclear engineer in terms of educational background:
| Nuclear Operator | Nuclear Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Business | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between nuclear operators' and nuclear engineers' demographics:
| Nuclear Operator | Nuclear Engineer | |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 87.3% Female, 12.7% |
| 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, 4.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 17.2% White, 63.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |