How Much Does a Nuclear Reactor Operator Make in the United States ? (2026 Salary Guide)

Nuclear Reactor Operator Salary in the United States

As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Nuclear Reactor Operator in the US is $108,673, equivalent to $52 per hour, $2,090 weekly, or $9,056 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Nuclear Reactor Operator in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Nuclear Reactor Operator in the US vary widely, spanning from $94,723 to $121,776. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($101,371) and 75th percentile ($115,532), while top earners (90th percentile) make $121,776 per year. This $14,161 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Troubleshooting or Construction Management, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Nuclear Reactor Operator often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 15 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

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Nuclear Reactor Operator Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Nuclear Reactor Operator Salary $94,723 US May 01, 2026
25th Percentile Nuclear Reactor Operator Salary $101,371 US May 01, 2026
50th Percentile Nuclear Reactor Operator Salary $108,673 US May 01, 2026
75th Percentile Nuclear Reactor Operator Salary $115,532 US May 01, 2026
90th Percentile Nuclear Reactor Operator Salary $121,776 US May 01, 2026
25% $101,371 10% $94,723 90% $121,776 75% $115,532 $108,673 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is a Nuclear Reactor Operator ?

A reactor operator (or nuclear reactor operator) is an individual at a nuclear power plant who is responsible for directly controlling a nuclear reactor from a control panel and is the only individual at a nuclear power plant who can directly alter significant amounts of reactor reactivity. The reactor operator occupies a position of great responsibility that may require him or her to start up a nuclear reactor, shut down a critical nuclear reactor, monitor reactor parameters, or respond to a casualty of the nuclear reactor. All reactor operators are required to be licensed or qualified by ...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/18/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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Job Openings for Nuclear Reactor Operator

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Nuclear Engineer II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    Nuclear Reactor Operator

    4 - 7 years experience
    Master's Degree or MBA

  3. Up a level:

    Nuclear Engineer IV

    7 + years experience
    Master's Degree or MBA

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Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Nuclear Reactor Operator, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
101371
115532
108673

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
117329
143446
129350
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Nuclear Reactor Operator in the United States. The base salary for Nuclear Reactor Operator ranges from $101,371 to $115,532 with the average base salary of $108,673. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $117,329 to $143,446 with the average total cash compensation of $129,350.

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101371
115532

 

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Jobs with a similar salary range to Nuclear Reactor Operator : Nuclear Operator, React Engineer, Reactor Engineer