Career Spotlight: Nuclear Technician
Working as a nuclear technician in a nuclear power plant puts you in a critical role.
As our power grid transitions off fossil fuels and demand grows, we need alternative sources of energy. Goldman Sachs predicts that power demand for AI will grow by 160% by 2030, with quantum computing technology driving demand for electricity even higher.
Renewable energy sources cannot begin to keep up with demand, which has led to the resurgence of nuclear power as the go-to clean-power alternative. And every existing and new nuclear power plant needs skilled nuclear technicians.
What Do They Do?
As a nuclear technician, you will most likely be working at the site of a nuclear reactor at a power plant.
However, civilian and military nuclear laboratories also offer interesting positions involving next-generation reactors, radioactive waste management, and emergent technology of nuclear propulsion systems. Additional workplaces can include medical facilities that use radiation equipment for treatment and diagnostics.
The key tasks of the nuclear power technician include:
- Operating nuclear power plant equipment, including the nuclear reactor. Central to this work will be adjusting the control systems to maintain the right conditions in the reactor core. You will also be responsible for radiation monitoring and the overall safe operation of the facility.
- Maintaining and repairing all reactor equipment. You inspect and make sure that the reactor core, cooling systems, turbines, and other related equipment are working properly, initiating repairs and replacements as needed.
- Ensuring safety compliance. Nuclear power plants must adhere to strict federal, state, and local regulations. Preventing exposure to radiation is a major focus of radiation protocols. Your role is to ensure that everyone stays safe and that the nuclear reactor is operating within regulatory limits.
- Collecting and analyzing data is part of the safe and efficient operation of the power plant. Radiation monitoring can take the form of collecting air, water, and soil samples to test for potential contamination. You will also collect data about the operation of the reactor core and controls, analyzing them for trends and potential early warning signs of serious issues.
- Preparing for an emergency response. You will create plans for responding to leaks, uncontrolled reactions, and any threats to plant and public safety.
In research, development, and design facilities in the field of nuclear power and in medical settings, your role may expand to take on a variety of additional tasks. There are many exciting career paths in nuclear engineering technology.
How Much Does a Nuclear Technician Make?
Given the high demand for nuclear technicians, it’s not a surprise to learn that they are well paid. The median income for a nuclear technician is $101,740 a year, or $48.92 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workers with more experience or specialized skills can earn even more. Since power plants run around the clock, they need workers at all hours. Working nights and weekends can often give you a bump in pay.
What Skills Do You Need?
To succeed in nuclear technician roles, you’ll need strong skills in the fields of mechanical and electrical systems. Because you’ll be collecting, analyzing, and making critical decisions based on data, you need to be good with numbers and statistics to glean insights from complex data sets. In addition, you must have the ability to focus on what matters, pay attention to details, and monitor systems and compliance with absolute precision. Lastly, you’ll need strong interpersonal, communications, and management soft skills.
Career Outlook
The current job outlook shows a steady state, primarily driven by the needs of nuclear power plants. Current employment in these workplaces has been limited primarily to replacing existing workers. It has been decades since new nuclear power plants have been built.
That is changing fast as the need for clean and safe electricity is booming. The U.S. Department of Energy touts “big wins” for nuclear energy in 2023, including the first new reactor in nearly 10 years, the licensing of new plants, the vital role of nuclear power in the production of clean hydrogen, and more. New federal legislation signed in July of 2024 will advance the building of new reactors.
After years of no movement, the field is at the start of rapid growth as part of the transition to net-zero emissions of the power grid.
How to Become a Nuclear Technician
In many cases, an associate degree is enough to start your career as a nuclear technician. However, many positions do require a more advanced degree, and certainly, a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering technology makes progressing into higher-paying positions possible within the field.
Most workplaces require significant on-the-job training. It typically involves practical, hands-on experiences along with formal instruction by the facility hiring you.
Earning a certification, such as the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program certificate, is required for some roles. The Industrial Radiography and Radiation Safety Personnel certification and the Registered Radiation Protection Technologists certification are additional credentials that can improve your job prospects.
Nuclear power is the key to many green technologies and advancements in computing capabilities. After years of being at a standstill, opportunities in this field are set to expand in scope and variety. Earning a bachelor’s in nuclear engineering technology is an ideal way to start on your own career adventure in this future-forward industry.
