Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSkillsEducationDemographicsJob DescriptionHow To HireBest CompaniesJob Outlook

Compare

Nuclear plant operator vs nuclear reactor operator

The differences between nuclear plant operators and nuclear reactor operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a nuclear plant operator and a nuclear reactor operator. Additionally, a nuclear reactor operator has an average salary of $51,694, which is higher than the $46,061 average annual salary of a nuclear plant operator.

The top three skills for a nuclear plant operator include plant procedures, control room and nuclear reactor. The most important skills for a nuclear reactor operator are nuclear reactor, electrical equipment, and plant operations.

Nuclear plant operator vs nuclear reactor operator overview

Nuclear Plant OperatorNuclear Reactor Operator
Yearly salary$46,061$51,694
Hourly rate$22.14$24.85
Growth rate-15%-15%
Number of jobs37,23833,183
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4646
Years of experience44

Nuclear plant operator vs nuclear reactor operator salary

Nuclear plant operators and nuclear reactor operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Nuclear Plant OperatorNuclear Reactor Operator
Average salary$46,061$51,694
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $64,000Between $32,000 And $81,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between nuclear plant operator and nuclear reactor operator education

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

Nuclear Plant OperatorNuclear Reactor Operator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorNuclear And Industrial Radiologic TechnologiesElectrical Engineering
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityStanford University

Nuclear plant operator vs nuclear reactor operator demographics

Here are the differences between nuclear plant operators' and nuclear reactor operators' demographics:

Nuclear Plant OperatorNuclear Reactor Operator
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 92.2% Female, 7.8%Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 1.5% White, 76.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 1.5% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between nuclear plant operator and nuclear reactor operator duties and responsibilities

Nuclear plant operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage and perform preventive maintenance, electrical repairs, millwright work, and MSHA safety functions.
  • Prepare asphalt mixtures per customer requirements, load and unload tankers and monitor tanks and assist with paperwork
  • Specialize in building distillation units used for distilling hazardous chemicals.

Nuclear reactor operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage and direct the development of the sector AOP and of proper controls to ensure program/project spending meets sector expectations.
  • Maintain proficiency in radiological controls and radioactive material handling with continuous training exams given monthly.
  • Regenerate demineralizers associate with water plant operation.

Nuclear plant operator vs nuclear reactor operator skills

Common nuclear plant operator skills
  • Plant Procedures, 12%
  • Control Room, 10%
  • Nuclear Reactor, 9%
  • Emergency Situations, 7%
  • Nuclear Power, 5%
  • Radiological, 5%
Common nuclear reactor operator skills
  • Nuclear Reactor, 15%
  • Electrical Equipment, 11%
  • Plant Operations, 7%
  • Emergency Situations, 6%
  • Nuclear Power, 5%
  • Corrective Maintenance, 5%

Nuclear Plant Operator vs. similar jobs

Nuclear Plant Operator related careers

Nuclear Plant Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs