Nuclear reactor operator vs process operator

The differences between nuclear reactor operators and process 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 process operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a nuclear reactor operator has an average salary of $51,694, which is higher than the $37,996 average annual salary of a process operator.

The top three skills for a nuclear reactor operator include nuclear reactor, electrical equipment and plant operations. The most important skills for a process operator are safety procedures, preventative maintenance, and team-oriented environment.

Nuclear reactor operator vs process operator overview

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Process Operator
Yearly salary	$51,694	$37,996
Hourly rate	$24.85	$18.27
Growth rate	-15%	3%
Number of jobs	33,183	83,478
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	4	2

Nuclear reactor operator vs process operator salary

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Process Operator
Average salary	$51,694	$37,996
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $81,000	Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	-	Grand Forks, ND
Highest paying state	-	Wyoming
Best paying company	-	BWX Technologies
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between nuclear reactor operator and process operator education

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Process Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Nuclear reactor operator vs process operator demographics

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

	Nuclear Reactor Operator	Process Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%	Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9%
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, 11.7% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	5%	6%

Differences between nuclear reactor operator and process 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.

Process operator example responsibilities.

Manage distillation process to determine product specification compliance, and prepare unit for shutdown or turnaround process.
Climb ladders to inspect manholes, check temps, sometimes gather samples for lab analysis.
Demonstrate ability to perform basic math (add, subtract, multiply, divide, ratios, weights & measures).
Control product temperatures and monitor gauges.
Review FHA files for completeness and compliance.
Use of ladders, stairs, heavy lifting and temperature extremes.

Nuclear reactor operator vs process 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 process operator skills

Safety Procedures, 8%
Preventative Maintenance, 7%
Team-Oriented Environment, 7%
Ladders, 5%
Customer Service, 4%
Data Entry, 4%

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Nuclear Reactor Operator
Nuclear Reactor Operator vs Process Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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