Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Salary
The median nuclear power reactor operators salary in the United States is $122,890 per year ($59.08/hour). Salaries range from $98,640 at the entry level to $149,310+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 5,150 nuclear power reactor operators jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to decline 15.3% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$122,890
per year
Hourly Rate
$59.08
per hour
Employment
5,150
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$98,640
25th percentile
$109,440
Median
$122,890
75th percentile
$130,490
90th percentile
$149,310
Job Growth (2024-2034)
-15.3%
Decline
Annual Openings
400
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Training Needed
Long-term on-the-job training
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Limited data available — BLS only publishes salary data for areas with sufficient survey responses.
Salary Map — Click a state for details
$109K$130K■ No data
Top Paying States
New York
$130K
+5%
Illinois
$124K
+1%
Alabama
$119K
-3%
South Carolina
$119K
-3%
Nebraska
$109K
-12%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $129,580 | +5.4% |
| Illinois | $123,980 | +0.9% |
| Alabama | $119,000 | -3.2% |
| South Carolina | $118,620 | -3.5% |
| Nebraska | $108,650 | -11.6% |
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Salary by Metro Area
Limited metro data available — BLS only publishes data for areas with sufficient survey responses.
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $112,860 | -8.2% |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A nuclear power reactor operators earning $122,890/year would need 485 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 521 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries →📈 See how nuclear power reactor operators salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Nuclear Power Reactor Operators salary trend (2011–2024) →