Nuclear Technicians
Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other scientists in nuclear power generation and production activities, such as operating or maintaining nuclear testing equipment.
Is nuclear technicians a good career?
It scores 19/100 and ranks #334 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($110,240 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-7.7% through 2034)
What nuclear technicians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. nuclear technicians earn between $99,110 and $123,990 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live nuclear technicians jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Nuclear technicians typically need an associate’s degree to enter the occupation. Some community colleges and technical institutes offer programs in nuclear science, nuclear technology, or related fields. Students study nuclear energy, radiation, and the equipment and components used in nuclear power plants and laboratories. Other coursework includes mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
Nuclear technicians sometimes enter the occupation with a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award coupled with experience, such as from the military or from an apprenticeship.
Training
Nuclear technicians usually begin as trainees who are supervised by experienced technicians. During training, technicians learn how to use operating and monitoring equipment. They also learn safety procedures, regulations, and plant policies. Technicians who do not have a relevant associate’s degree or its equivalent typically receive extensive training onsite.
The length of training varies with the technician’s experience and education. Most training programs last between 6 months and 2 years. Nuclear technicians train throughout their careers to keep up with advances in nuclear science and technology.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Employers may prefer or require certification for nuclear technicians. In addition, nuclear technicians usually must undergo a background check and receive some type of security clearance after they are hired.
Advancement
With additional training and experience, technicians may become nuclear power reactor operators at nuclear power plants.
Important qualities
Attention to detail. Nuclear technicians must observe data from equipment sensors and gauges to ensure that systems are functioning properly and that radiation levels are controlled.
Communication skills. Nuclear technicians must follow directions and clarify anything they do not understand.
Critical-thinking skills. Nuclear technicians must evaluate information and decide on a course of action. For example, they may need to analyze data from radiation detectors and develop decontamination plans if areas are not safe.
Math skills. Nuclear technicians use mathematics to analyze experimental and production data, such as reaction rates and radiation exposures.
Mechanical skills. Nuclear technicians need mechanical aptitude to monitor and maintain complex equipment.
Related occupations
How much do nuclear technicians make?
The national median wage is $110,240 a year, with the middle half earning between $99,110 and $123,990 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is nuclear technicians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 19 of 100 and ranks #334 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -7.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a nuclear technician?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do nuclear technicians earn the most?
Among states, Florida pays the highest median ($135,550). Local pay for every state and metro is below.