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What is a nuclear unit operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a nuclear unit operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $24.46 an hour? That's $50,879 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -15% and produce -6,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreNuclear Unit OperatorUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $50,879

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.2

Growth rate -15%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.58%

Asian 1.29%

Black or African American 4.04%

Hispanic or Latino 6.79%

Unknown 5.49%

White 79.81%

Gender

female 0.00%

male 100.00%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
9.2

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a nuclear unit operator

  1. Explore nuclear unit operator education requirements

    Most common nuclear unit operator degrees

    Associate

    66.7 %

    High School Diploma

    11.1 %

    Master's

    11.1 %
  2. Complete relevant nuclear unit operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New nuclear unit operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a nuclear unit operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real nuclear unit operator resumes.
  3. Research nuclear unit operator duties and 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.
  4. Apply for nuclear unit operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a nuclear unit operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first nuclear unit operator job

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Average nuclear unit operator salary

The average nuclear unit operator salary in the United States is $50,879 per year or $24 per hour. Nuclear unit operator salaries range between $31,000 and $82,000 per year.

Average nuclear unit operator salary
$50,879 Yearly
$24.46 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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