Nuclear reactor operator vs boiler operator

The differences between nuclear reactor 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 reactor operator, becoming a boiler operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a nuclear reactor operator has an average salary of $51,694, which is higher than the $49,782 average annual salary of a boiler operator.

The top three skills for a nuclear reactor operator include nuclear reactor, electrical equipment and plant operations. The most important skills for a boiler operator are preventive maintenance, air compressors, and boiler room.

Nuclear reactor operator vs boiler operator overview

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Boiler Operator
Yearly salary	$51,694	$49,782
Hourly rate	$24.85	$23.93
Growth rate	-15%	4%
Number of jobs	33,183	32,715
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	High School Diploma, 36%
Average age	46	50
Years of experience	4	2

Nuclear reactor operator vs boiler operator salary

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Boiler Operator
Average salary	$51,694	$49,782
Salary range	Between $32,000 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

Differences between nuclear reactor operator and boiler operator education

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Boiler Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	High School Diploma, 36%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Engineering
Most common college	Stanford University	-

Nuclear reactor operator vs boiler operator demographics

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Boiler Operator
Average age	46	50
Gender ratio	Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	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%	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%

Differences between nuclear reactor operator and boiler operator duties and responsibilities

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.

Boiler operator example responsibilities.

Manage an internal environmental information system and ensure compliance with EPA and RCRA regulations.
Experience in welding, brazing, soldering etc.
Crane operator and highly experience CDL driver with tanker and hazmat endorsements.
Analyze operating data to make sure the equipment run at optimal levels.
Run, repair or troubleshoot electrical systems, both high and low voltages.
Create and update safety reporting for injuries and lose time including OSHA compliance logs.

Nuclear reactor operator vs boiler operator skills

Common nuclear reactor operator skills

Nuclear Reactor, 15%
Electrical Equipment, 11%
Plant Operations, 7%
Emergency Situations, 6%
Nuclear Power, 5%
Corrective Maintenance, 5%

Common boiler operator skills

Preventive Maintenance, 6%
Air Compressors, 5%
Boiler Room, 5%
Chillers, 5%
HVAC, 4%
Steam Boilers, 4%

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Nuclear Reactor Operator
Nuclear Reactor Operator vs Boiler Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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