Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
SOC Code: 51-8011 Job Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.
Advertisement
Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area | $110,490 | $125,466 | $140,442 | $155,418 |
| Kingston, NY | $109,325 | $124,509 | $139,693 | $154,877 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $109,325 | $124,509 | $139,693 | $154,877 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $109,325 | $124,509 | $139,693 | $154,877 |
| Ithaca, NY | $109,325 | $124,509 | $139,693 | $154,877 |
| Elmira, NY | $109,325 | $124,509 | $139,693 | $154,877 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $109,325 | $124,509 | $139,693 | $154,877 |
| Binghamton, NY | $109,325 | $124,509 | $139,693 | $154,877 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $109,325 | $124,509 | $139,693 | $154,877 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $109,325 | $124,509 | $139,693 | $154,877 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Operation and Control | 4.0 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 4.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 | |
| Monitoring | 3.9 | |
| Active Listening | 3.9 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.8 | |
| Writing | 3.5 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.5 | |
| Time Management | 3.4 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Physics | 4.1 |
| Mechanical | 3.9 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.7 |
| Mathematics | 3.6 |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.5 |
| Chemistry | 3.4 |
| Design | 3.0 |
| English Language | 2.9 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 50.1% |
| Some college | 15.7% |
| Bachelor's degree | 15.3% |
| Associate's degree | 12.6% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 6.2% |
Typical Tasks
- Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
- Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
- Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or the effects of generator loading on other equipment.
- Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
- Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
- Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.
- Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.
- Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Access Microsoft Azure software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Power Automate Microsoft Power BI Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft SharePoint Structured query language SQL Data logging software Outage management system OMS Plant information data entry software
Calculate your wage level for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators →
Advertisement
H-1B Guides & Resources
Looking for an H-1B immigration attorney?
Find experienced immigration lawyers in our attorney directory.