Nuclear reactor operator vs nuclear unit operator

The differences between nuclear reactor operators and nuclear unit 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 unit operator. Additionally, a nuclear reactor operator has an average salary of $51,694, which is higher than the $50,879 average annual salary of a nuclear unit operator.

Nuclear reactor operator vs nuclear unit operator overview

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Nuclear Unit Operator
Yearly salary	$51,694	$50,879
Hourly rate	$24.85	$24.46
Growth rate	-15%	-15%
Number of jobs	33,183	44,418
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Associate Degree, 67%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	4	4

Nuclear reactor operator vs nuclear unit operator salary

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Nuclear Unit Operator
Average salary	$51,694	$50,879
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $81,000	Between $31,000 And $82,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between nuclear reactor operator and nuclear unit operator education

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Nuclear Unit Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Associate Degree, 67%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Electrical Engineering
Most common college	Stanford University	Northwestern University

Nuclear reactor operator vs nuclear unit operator demographics

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Nuclear Unit Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%	Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%
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 unit 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 unit 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 unit 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 unit operator skills

Nuclear Reactor Operator vs. similar jobs

Nuclear Reactor Operator related careers

Nuclear Reactor Operator related jobs

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Nuclear Reactor Operator
Nuclear Reactor Operator vs Nuclear Unit Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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