Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Salary in U.S. (2024)
In U.S., nuclear power reactor operators earn $122,610 at the median — $58.95 an hour. The range runs from $99K at the entry level to $153K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $123K get you in U.S.?
About nuclear power reactor operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level nuclear power reactor operators (10th percentile) start around $99K. Mid-career wages sit at $123K.Top earners bring in $153K or more - a $53K spread from bottom to top.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $132K | +7% | 280 |
| Ohio | $124K | +1% | 150 |
| South Carolina | $112K | -9% | 320 |
| Nebraska | $111K | -9% | 80 |
| North Carolina | $107K | -13% | 340 |
Track nuclear power reactor operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do nuclear power reactor operators make in U.S.?
The median is $122,610 a year - that works out to about $58.95 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $99,300, and experienced nuclear power reactor operators can clear $152,690. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $123K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,880/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 17.9% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a nuclear power reactor operators salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median nuclear power reactor operators salary is worth about $122,610 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do nuclear power reactor operators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.