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

Senior Reactor Operator Salary in the United States

As of April 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Senior Reactor Operator in the US is $56,217, equivalent to $27 per hour, $1,081 weekly, or $4,685 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Senior Reactor Operator in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for Senior Reactor Operator in the US vary widely, spanning from $46,125 to $68,711. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($50,935) and 75th percentile ($62,757), while top earners (90th percentile) make $68,711 per year. This $11,822 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Commitment or Machine Operation, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Senior Reactor Operator often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 29 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

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Senior Reactor Operator Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Senior Reactor Operator Salary $46,125 US April 01, 2026
25th Percentile Senior Reactor Operator Salary $50,935 US April 01, 2026
50th Percentile Senior Reactor Operator Salary $56,217 US April 01, 2026
75th Percentile Senior Reactor Operator Salary $62,757 US April 01, 2026
90th Percentile Senior Reactor Operator Salary $68,711 US April 01, 2026
25% $50,935 10% $46,125 90% $68,711 75% $62,757 $56,217 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Check out Senior Reactor Operator jobs in Columbus, Ohio

Chemical Reactor Operator (3rd shift)

Franklin International - Columbus, OH

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3rd Shift Chemical Reactor Operator - Join US Adhesives

Franklin International - Columbus, OH

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Resin Plant Controls Operator: Reactor Batch Specialist

PPG Industries, Inc - Delaware, OH

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What is a Senior 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 Senior Reactor Operator

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Machine Operator II

    1 - 3 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

  2. This Job:

    Senior Reactor Operator

    3 - 5 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

  3. Up a level:

    Machine Operator IV

    5 - 7 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

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

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
50935
62757
56217

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
57108
71734
63662
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Senior Reactor Operator in the United States. The base salary for Senior Reactor Operator ranges from $50,935 to $62,757 with the average base salary of $56,217. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $57,108 to $71,734 with the average total cash compensation of $63,662.

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50935
62757

 

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