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The differences between nuclear operators and plant 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 plant operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a nuclear operator has an average salary of $51,893, which is higher than the $42,697 average annual salary of a plant operator.
The top three skills for a nuclear operator include electrical equipment, prototype and electrical systems. The most important skills for a plant operator are plant equipment, plant operations, and preventative maintenance.
| Nuclear Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $51,893 | $42,697 |
| Hourly rate | $24.95 | $20.53 |
| Growth rate | -15% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 32,513 | 43,388 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Average age | 46 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
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 plant operator's primary role is to supervise and oversee operations in an industrial setting. They are responsible for controlling machinery and equipment, coordinating with fellow officers, monitoring the quality of progress among a particular unit or department, and maintaining daily operations records. A plant operator may also respond to inquiries and issues, perform basic troubleshooting, and provide corrective measures. Furthermore, a plant operator must conduct regular inspection and maintenance to ensure a safe work environment for everyone, all while implementing the plant's safety policies and regulations.
Nuclear operators and plant operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Nuclear Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average salary | $51,893 | $42,697 |
| Salary range | Between $33,000 And $81,000 | Between $32,000 And $56,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Idaho |
| Best paying company | - | NW Natural |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a nuclear operator and a plant operator in terms of educational background:
| Nuclear Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 60% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Here are the differences between nuclear operators' and plant operators' demographics:
| Nuclear Operator | Plant Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |