Nuclear Power Reactor Operators vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators: Who Earns More?
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators out-earn Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators by $78K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators land at $122,890 and Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators at $44,650. The education gap is real: nuclear power reactor operator programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while miscellaneous assemblers and fabricator programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators is New York ($129,580); for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators it's District of Columbia ($50,330).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Nuclear Power Reactor Operators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators earn more nationally. The median is $122,890 for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators versus $44,650 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators, a difference of $78K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators has the better 10-year outlook at -0.1% projected growth, compared to -15.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators get paid the most?
New York is the top-paying state for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators at $129,580/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Nuclear Power Reactor Operators vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators earn $129,580 vs. $44,580 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.