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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nuclear Power Plant Operator in California is $100,986 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Nuclear Power Plant Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Nuclear Power Plant Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $110,778 | $9,231 | $2,130 | $53 |
| Average | $100,986 | $8,415 | $1,942 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,841 | $7,653 | $1,766 | $44 |
Tomorrow RNG - MELISSA, TX
U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC - HALYOKE, MA
U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC - HALYOKE, MA
U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC - HALYOKE, MA
A Nuclear Power Plant Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Nuclear Power Plant Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Power Pla... Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator | $78,761 |
| Power Pla... Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator | $91,615 |
| Nuclear P... Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator | $102,891 |
| Power Pla... Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator | $119,112 |
| Power Pla... Level Nuclear Power Plant Operator | $137,517 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Nuclear Power Plant Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Nuclear Power Plant Operator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, MFG Nondurable, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Nuclear Power Plant Operator positions in Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Nuclear Power Plant Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $121,183 | $58.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Nuclear Power Plant Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $110,778 | $9,231 | $2,130 | $53 |
| Average | $100,986 | $8,415 | $1,942 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,841 | $7,653 | $1,766 | $44 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Nuclear Power Plant Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Kettering Health
MILLVILLE, OH
Kettering Health | MILLVILLE, OH
Nuclear Med Technologist-Nuclear Medicine US-OH-Hamilton Job ID: 2025-57263 of Openings: 1 Category: Imaging KH Hamilton Overview Kettering Health is a not... more
24 Days Ago
The Middlesex Corporation
LITTLETON, MA
The Middlesex Corporation | LITTLETON, MA
Position Summary: Mass. Ready Mix is looking for a Ready Mix Plant Operator to support daily concrete production at our Littleton plant. This role is respo... more
1 Day Ago
U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC
HOLYOKE, MA
U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC | HOLYOKE, MA
Description: The TSUBAKI name is synonymous with excellence in quality, dependability, and customer service. U.S. Tsubaki is a leading manufacturer and sup... more
1 Day Ago
U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC
HOLYOKE, MA
U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC | HOLYOKE, MA
Description: The TSUBAKI name is synonymous with excellence in quality, dependability, and customer service. U.S. Tsubaki is a leading manufacturer and sup... more
1 Day Ago
Cushing Terrell
MONTANA, MT
Cushing Terrell | MONTANA, MT
Description Power System Protection EngineerPosition Description Cushing Terrell is seeking a Senior Protection & Studies Engineer to lead and grow our fir... more
2 Days Ago
K2M Design
BENTONVILLE, AR
K2M Design | BENTONVILLE, AR
Full-time Description We are looking for positive contributors to our culture , that are passionate about meeting the demanding needs of our clients, and a... more
2 Days Ago
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