Nuclear reactor operator vs plant operator

The differences between nuclear reactor operators and plant 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 plant operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a nuclear reactor operator has an average salary of $51,694, which is higher than the $42,697 average annual salary of a plant operator.

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

Nuclear reactor operator vs plant operator overview

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Plant Operator
Yearly salary	$51,694	$42,697
Hourly rate	$24.85	$20.53
Growth rate	-15%	-7%
Number of jobs	33,183	43,388
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	46	47
Years of experience	4	12

Nuclear reactor operator vs plant operator salary

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Plant Operator
Average salary	$51,694	$42,697
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $81,000	Between $32,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	-	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	-	Idaho
Best paying company	-	NW Natural
Best paying industry	-	Finance

Differences between nuclear reactor operator and plant operator education

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Plant Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Nuclear reactor operator vs plant operator demographics

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Plant Operator
Average age	46	47
Gender ratio	Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%	Male, 93.5% Female, 6.5%
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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.5%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between nuclear reactor operator and plant 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.

Plant operator example responsibilities.

Manage and operate the DCS system or control board.
Manage and perform preventive maintenance, electrical repairs, millwright work, and MSHA safety functions.
Maintain buildings HVAC / lighting automation systems and make adjustments as needed for tenant's comfort and to manage energy consumption.
Used basic math skills to calculate the weight of the ammonia by the price it are per ton.
Operate compressors, scrubbers, pipeline, pumps, coolers, and evaporators to liquefy or compress gas.
Maintain and repair all equipment involve in plant processes to keep within OSHA safety standards and EPA environmental codes.

Nuclear reactor operator vs plant 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 plant operator skills

Plant Equipment, 7%
Plant Operations, 6%
Preventative Maintenance, 5%
Boilers, 5%
Minor Maintenance, 4%
Ladders, 4%

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Nuclear Reactor Operator
Nuclear Reactor Operator vs Plant Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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