Nuclear operator vs process operator

The differences between nuclear operators and process 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 process operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a nuclear operator has an average salary of $51,893, which is higher than the $37,996 average annual salary of a process operator.

The top three skills for a nuclear operator include electrical equipment, prototype and electrical systems. The most important skills for a process operator are safety procedures, preventative maintenance, and team-oriented environment.

Nuclear operator vs process operator overview

	Nuclear Operator	Process Operator
Yearly salary	$51,893	$37,996
Hourly rate	$24.95	$18.27
Growth rate	-15%	3%
Number of jobs	32,513	83,478
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 60%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	4	2

What does a nuclear operator do?

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.

What does a process operator do?

A process operator's role is to supervise all production operations in a manufacturing plant or similar setting. To ensure the efficiency and safety of the workforce and the workload, a process operator must regularly conduct inspections on the manufacturing processes and provide an assessment of the employees' progress. There are also duties that involve producing reports and presentations, keeping and updating data, performing audits, and managing work schedules. Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone, all while adhering and implementing the policies and regulations of the company.

Nuclear operator vs process operator salary

Nuclear operators and process operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Nuclear Operator	Process Operator
Average salary	$51,893	$37,996
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $81,000	Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	-	Grand Forks, ND
Highest paying state	-	Wyoming
Best paying company	-	BWX Technologies
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between nuclear operator and process operator education

There are a few differences between a nuclear operator and a process operator in terms of educational background:

	Nuclear Operator	Process Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 60%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Northwestern University	Stanford University

Nuclear operator vs process operator demographics

Here are the differences between nuclear operators' and process operators' demographics:

	Nuclear Operator	Process Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9%	Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9%
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, 11.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	5%	6%

Differences between nuclear operator and process operator duties and responsibilities

Nuclear operator example 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
Train in QA methods and procedures to perform maintenance.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the reactor and all associate reactor protection circuitry.

Show more

Process operator example responsibilities.

Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
Climb ladders to inspect manholes, check temps, sometimes gather samples for lab analysis.
Demonstrate ability to perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide, ratios, weights & measures).
Control product temperatures and monitor gauges.
Review FHA files for completeness and compliance.
Use of ladders, stairs, heavy lifting and temperature extremes.

Show more

Nuclear operator vs process operator skills

Common nuclear operator skills

Electrical Equipment, 18%
Prototype, 15%
Electrical Systems, 14%
Radiological, 13%
Test Equipment, 13%
Naval Nuclear, 7%

Common process operator skills

Safety Procedures, 8%
Preventative Maintenance, 7%
Team-Oriented Environment, 7%
Ladders, 5%
Customer Service, 4%
Data Entry, 4%

Nuclear Operator vs. similar jobs

Nuclear Operator related careers

Nuclear Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z