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What is a power reactor 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 power reactor operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $25.26 an hour? That's $52,542 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -15% and produce -6,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScorePower Reactor OperatorUS Average
Salary
4.1

Avg. Salary $52,542

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 5.56%

male 94.44%

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 power reactor operator

  1. Explore power reactor operator education requirements

    Most common power reactor operator degrees

    Bachelor's

    83.3 %

    Associate

    16.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific power reactor operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Nuclear Reactor42.37%
    Nuclear Power36.18%
    Plant Equipment21.46%
  3. Complete relevant power reactor operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New power reactor 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 power reactor operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real power reactor operator resumes.
  4. Research power reactor operator duties and responsibilities

    • Ensure continuous control of chemistry vital to operational reactor safety and provide oversight for complex radiological control maintenance.
    • Authore multiple watch station examinations and PowerPoint presentations.
  5. Prepare your power reactor operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your power reactor operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a power reactor operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable power reactor operator resume templates

    Build a professional power reactor operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your power reactor operator resume.
    Power Reactor Operator Resume
    Power Reactor Operator Resume
    Power Reactor Operator Resume
    Power Reactor Operator Resume
    Power Reactor Operator Resume
    Power Reactor Operator Resume
    Power Reactor Operator Resume
    Power Reactor Operator Resume
    Power Reactor Operator Resume
  6. Apply for power reactor operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a power reactor 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 power reactor operator job

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Average power reactor operator salary

The average power reactor operator salary in the United States is $52,542 per year or $25 per hour. Power reactor operator salaries range between $34,000 and $80,000 per year.

Average power reactor operator salary
$52,542 Yearly
$25.26 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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