Reactor operator vs nuclear reactor operator

The differences between reactor operators and nuclear reactor 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 reactor operator and a nuclear reactor operator. Additionally, a nuclear reactor operator has an average salary of $51,694, which is higher than the $40,533 average annual salary of a reactor operator.

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

Reactor operator vs nuclear reactor operator overview

	Reactor Operator	Nuclear Reactor Operator
Yearly salary	$40,533	$51,694
Hourly rate	$19.49	$24.85
Growth rate	-15%	-15%
Number of jobs	30,994	33,183
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 44%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	4	4

Reactor operator vs nuclear reactor operator salary

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

	Reactor Operator	Nuclear Reactor Operator
Average salary	$40,533	$51,694
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $59,000	Between $32,000 And $81,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between reactor operator and nuclear reactor operator education

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

	Reactor Operator	Nuclear Reactor Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 44%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common major	Electrical Engineering	Electrical Engineering
Most common college	Texas A&M University	Stanford University

Reactor operator vs nuclear reactor operator demographics

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

	Reactor Operator	Nuclear Reactor Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%	Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 1.5% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.4%	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%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between reactor operator and nuclear reactor operator duties and responsibilities

Reactor operator example responsibilities.

Operate batch and continuous type reactors, high-pressure reactors, centrifuges, filters and solvent distillation equipment.
Coordinate a team of operators and contractors performing leak rate testing (LLRT) within a 17-day outage window.
Monitor, and adjust: modulation, frequency, audio, and antenna current in compliance with FCC regulations.
Maintain and perform troubleshooting on CD/DVD replication equipment.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Participate in project teams for critical on-line system outages or refueling outages.

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.

Reactor operator vs nuclear reactor operator skills

Common reactor operator skills

Personnel Safety, 11%
Plant Operations, 8%
Nuclear Reactor, 6%
Control Room, 6%
Corrective Maintenance, 5%
NRC, 4%

Common nuclear reactor operator skills

Nuclear Reactor, 15%
Electrical Equipment, 11%
Plant Operations, 7%
Emergency Situations, 6%
Nuclear Power, 5%
Corrective Maintenance, 5%

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Reactor Operator
Reactor Operator vs Nuclear Reactor Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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