Nuclear power reactor operators
SOC Code: 51-8011
Nuclear power reactor operators carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $122,610 and -15.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 5,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 39% AI exposure, Nuclear power reactor operators sits 2 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 65% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Nuclear power reactor operators sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Nuclear power reactor operators has ai exposure of 39%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Nuclear power reactor operators vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Nuclear power reactor operators is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Nuclear power reactor operators (SOC 51-8011) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 5,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -15.3% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $122,610, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Nuclear power reactor operators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
- 2. Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
- 3. Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
- 4. Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
- 5. Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
- 6. Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or the effects of generator loading on other equipment.
- 7. Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.
- 8. Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
- 9. Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
- 10. Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
Knowledge Areas
- Physics
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Chemistry
- Design
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Nuclear power reactor operators?
Nuclear power reactor operators has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Nuclear power reactor operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Nuclear power reactor operators is projected to decline by 15.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 5,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Nuclear power reactor operators?
Key skills for Nuclear power reactor operators include Reading Comprehension, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Nuclear power reactor operators earn?
The median annual wage for Nuclear power reactor operators is $122,610, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Nuclear power reactor operators?
The typical entry-level education for Nuclear power reactor operators is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Nuclear power reactor operators?
Nuclear power reactor operators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).