How much does a nuclear reactor operator make?
Typical yearly pay for nuclear power reactor operators in the United States.
median pay per year, about $10,241 a month or $59.08 an hour.
That's more than 82% of the 100 jobs in our salary guide, ranking #19 of 100.
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| Cybersecurity analyst | $129,180 |
| Astronomer | $128,820 |
| Hospital administrator | $123,860 |
| Nuclear reactor operator | $122,890 |
| Elevator mechanic | $109,910 |
| Financial advisor | $105,070 |
| Physical therapist | $102,760 |
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- Elevator mechanic$109,910
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- Wind turbine technician$64,120
How much does a nuclear reactor operator make per hour?
About $59.08 an hour, if you spread the median yearly pay over a standard 40-hour week, 52 weeks a year. Actual hourly pay varies with overtime, shift work and location.
Becoming a nuclear reactor operator
The U.S. Department of Labor's career profile covers the training, licenses and day-to-day tasks for this job.
How to become a nuclear reactor operator
About this number
This is the national median wage for the occupation “Nuclear Power Reactor Operators” (code 51-8011.00) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025 release, as published on O*NET OnLine. The median is the middle value: half of workers earn more, half earn less.