Nuclear reactor operator vs nuclear auxiliary operator

The differences between nuclear reactor operators and nuclear auxiliary 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 reactor operator and a nuclear auxiliary operator. Additionally, a nuclear auxiliary operator has an average salary of $53,638, which is higher than the $51,694 average annual salary of a nuclear reactor operator.

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

Nuclear reactor operator vs nuclear auxiliary operator overview

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Nuclear Auxiliary Operator
Yearly salary	$51,694	$53,638
Hourly rate	$24.85	$25.79
Growth rate	-15%	-15%
Number of jobs	33,183	28,460
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	4	4

Nuclear reactor operator vs nuclear auxiliary operator salary

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Nuclear Auxiliary Operator
Average salary	$51,694	$53,638
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $81,000	Between $33,000 And $87,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between nuclear reactor operator and nuclear auxiliary operator education

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Nuclear Auxiliary Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Nuclear And Industrial Radiologic Technologies
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Nuclear reactor operator vs nuclear auxiliary operator demographics

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Nuclear Auxiliary Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%	Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3%
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, 4.0% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 1.3% White, 79.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.6%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between nuclear reactor operator and nuclear auxiliary 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.

Nuclear auxiliary operator example responsibilities.

Manage and direct the development of the sector AOP and of proper controls to ensure program/project spending meets sector expectations.
Ensure continuous control of chemistry vital to operational reactor safety and provide oversight for complex radiological control maintenance.
Complete training as a fire brigade team member at Delgado fire school.

Nuclear reactor operator vs nuclear auxiliary 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 nuclear auxiliary operator skills

Plant Procedures, 23%
Electrical Equipment, 19%
Emergency Response, 19%
APS, 16%
Plant Operations, 9%
Routine Tests, 6%

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Nuclear Reactor Operator
Nuclear Reactor Operator vs Nuclear Auxiliary Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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