Nuclear Plant Operator Salary in Waterloo, IA

How much does a Nuclear Plant Operator make in Waterloo, IA?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Nuclear Plant Operator in Waterloo, IA is $67,941. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $60,150 to $75,021, with most professionals earning between $53,056 and $81,467.

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Salary range for a Nuclear Plant Operator

$60,150 to $75,021

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What is a Nuclear Plant Operator?

A Nuclear Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling nuclear reactors within a power plant. They are tasked with ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the reactors, as well as monitoring and adjusting controls to maintain the proper flow of nuclear fuel and coolant. Additionally, they are responsible for conducting regular inspections and tests to ensure the plant is operating within safety regulations and responding to any abnormalities or emergencies that may arise. This role requires a strong understanding of nuclear physics, as well as the ability to work effectively under pressure and in high-stakes situations.

See user submitted job responsibilities for Nuclear Plant Operator.

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Job Openings for Nuclear Plant Operator in Waterloo, IA

What does a Nuclear Plant Operator do?

Common responsibilities of a Nuclear Plant Operator

Maintain detailed records of plant operations, including reactor power levels, coolant flow rates, and equipment performance.

September 18, 2023

Monitor and control the release of radioactive materials and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

September 27, 2023

Respond to alarms and abnormal operating conditions by taking appropriate corrective actions to maintain plant safety and stability.

October 06, 2023

Stay current with industry developments and best practices to continuously improve plant operations and safety.

October 13, 2023

Participate in emergency response drills and training exercises to prepare for potential accidents or incidents.

October 25, 2023

Coordinate with other plant personnel to ensure compliance with safety regulations and procedures.

October 29, 2023

Conduct routine inspections and tests of nuclear plant systems and equipment to identify and address any issues or abnormalities.

October 30, 2023

Perform routine maintenance and repairs on plant equipment and systems to ensure reliability and functionality.

October 30, 2023

Communicate with control room operators, maintenance personnel, and management to coordinate plant activities and address operational issues.

November 09, 2023

Monitor and control nuclear reactors and associated equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.

November 13, 2023

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Nuclear Plant Operator Salary By Experience Levels in Waterloo, IA

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RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE

Length of experience is a pay differentiator. Those with greater experience may have an advantage in negotiating salary. For those with less experience, other factors such as education or special skills could impact your pay. Please visit Professional Salary Report for more details.

Nuclear Plant Operator Salary By Level of Education in Waterloo, IA

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LEVEL OF EDUCATION

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Average Salary Range for Nuclear Plant Operator in Waterloo, IA

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

60150

75021

67941

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

60917

77790

69013

What is the average salary for Nuclear Plant Operator in 2025?

These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Nuclear Plant Operator in Waterloo, IA. The base salary for Nuclear Plant Operator ranges from $60,150 to $75,021 with the average base salary of $67,941. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $60,917 to $77,790 with the average total cash compensation of $69,013.

View Average Salary for Nuclear Plant Operator as table

	Average Salary	Average Salary Range
Base Salary	$67,941	$60,150 - $75,021
Bonus	$1,072	$767 - $2,769
Total Pay	$69,013	$60,917 - $77,790

* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.

* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

Nuclear Plant Operator Salary Near Waterloo, IA

CITY, STATE	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE	COMPARE TO Waterloo, IA
CITY, STATE Cedar Falls, IA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $59,957 - $74,780	COMPARE TO Waterloo, IA
CITY, STATE Cedar Rapids, IA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $61,579 - $76,803	COMPARE TO Waterloo, IA
CITY, STATE Iowa City, IA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $61,077 - $76,177	COMPARE TO Waterloo, IA
CITY, STATE Ames, IA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $62,544 - $78,007	COMPARE TO Waterloo, IA
CITY, STATE Dubuque, IA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $60,748 - $75,768	COMPARE TO Waterloo, IA
CITY, STATE Ankeny, IA	AVERAGE SALARY RANGE $63,123 - $78,729	COMPARE TO Waterloo, IA

See salaries for Nuclear Plant Operator in locations close to Waterloo, IA. Pay for the same job may vary based on the location and on the location and on other factors such as the size of company, the industry, and other local conditions.

About Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo is a city in and the county seat of Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census the population decreased by 0.5% to 68,406; the 2016 Census estimates the population at 67,934, making it the sixth-largest city in the state. The city is part of the Waterloo – Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is the more populous of the two cities. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 63.23 square miles (163.76 km2), of which 61.39 square miles (159.00 km2) is land and 1.84 square miles (4.77 km2) is water. The average el...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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The Nuclear Plant Operator job could be listed using titles that are not exactly the same, but actually are for the same or very similar job. Here are some job titles in Waterloo, IA that might be a good fit for the type of job and salary you are looking for.

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60150

75021

About Waterloo, Iowa Waterloo is a city in and the county seat of Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census the population decreased by 0....More

Waterloo, Iowa area prices were up 0.8% from a year ago

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