Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Salary in the U.S.
Median annual pay in the U.S.
$122,890
$59.08/hour
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Wages: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Pay
| Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $98,640 | $47.42 |
| 25th percentile | $109,440 | $52.61 |
| Median | $122,890 | $59.08 |
| 75th percentile | $130,490 | $62.73 |
| 90th percentile | $149,310 | $71.78 |
Employment
- Employment in the U.S.
- 5,150
Advertisements
Comparison
Wages: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
| Rank | Median annual pay | Adjusted for cost of living (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| New York | ||
| 1st | $129,580 | $120,069 5th |
| Illinois | ||
| 2nd | $123,980 | $124,032 3rd |
| Alabama | ||
| 3rd | $119,000 | $133,974 1st |
| South Carolina | ||
| 4th | $118,620 | $126,529 2nd |
| Nebraska | ||
| 5th | $108,650 | $120,584 4th |
Advertisements
Similar occupations
Related occupations from O*NET, in O*NET's order, with their BLS median pay. Each figure shows the place it is for.
- Nuclear Technician salary in the U.S.
$110,240/year U.S.
- Power Plant Operator salary in the U.S.
$102,040/year U.S.
- Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator salary in the U.S.
$78,620/year U.S.
- Gas Plant Operator salary in the U.S.
$87,820/year U.S.
- Power Distributor and Dispatcher salary in the U.S.
$106,730/year U.S.
- Nuclear Engineer salary in the U.S.
$133,970/year U.S.
Outlook
- Projected employment change, 2025–35 (U.S.)
- −5.9%
- Typical education needed for entry (U.S.)
- High school diploma or equivalent
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35
Sources and update
- Wages and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
- Related occupations: O*NET® 31.0 Database, CC BY 4.0. Attributions
- Employment projections and typical education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Last updated