Nuclear Technician Careers: Employment & Salary Trends for Aspiring Nuclear Technicians

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Nuclear Technicians at a Glance

Nuclear technicians assist scientists in laboratory settings. They perform technical tasks that involve nuclear physics in the areas of maintenance, production, quality control, and operations. Nuclear technicians also perform technical tasks in all areas of production.

Most nuclear technicians work a typical 40-hour workweek while around 26% work part-time. Nuclear technicians work in utilities industries, educational services, professional, scientific, and technical services, fabricated metal product manufacturing, hospitals, ambulatory health care services, and administrative and support services.

Employment Trends

Job Outlook: Average increase
Annual Openings: 1,000
Percent Growth: 13.7%
Total Jobs Held: 6,400
Projected Employment: 7,000 by 2018
The Best 500 Jobs Overall Ranking: Data unavailable
--Source: “Best Jobs for the 21st Century,” JIST Publishing 2009. Farr, Michael and Shatkin, Laurence, Ph.D.; “Salary Facts Handbook,” JIST Publishing 2008. Editors @ JIST.

View employment and salary data by City/State for Nuclear Technicians

Nuclear technicians can expect an average increase job growth as a result of America’s aging fleet of nuclear reactors, which need constant care and monitoring. In addition, advances in nuclear power will continue to create a demand for skilled nuclear technicians.

Salary Trends

Nuclear technicians earn an average salary of $64,760 per year. Nuclear technicians in the 90th percentile can expect to earn around $89,240 per year, while 75th percentile nuclear technicians can expect to earn $76,570 per year. Entry-level nuclear technicians can expect to earn an impressive starting salary of around $42,550 per year.

The top three highest paying industries for this field include utilities industries, educational services, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Nuclear technicians in utilities industries earn an average salary of $69,580 per year, while nuclear technicians in educational services earn around $65,730 per year. Nuclear technicians in professional, scientific, and technical services earn an average salary of $60,660 per year.

Degrees and Training Programs

While an associate degree is acceptable for entry into this career field, most employers prefer a bachelor’s degree or higher in applied science, natural science or science-related technology. Currently, 7% of all nuclear technicians have a master’s degree, 21% have a bachelor’s degree, and 15% have an associate degree. 30% of all nuclear technicians have some college but no degree. Individuals with some college but no degree typically start out as trainees.

Just about every college or university offers a degree program in science or technology. Many community colleges offer certificate and degree programs as well. Some community colleges offer programs that are specifically designed for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs.

Coursework Required

Before entering a degree program, aspiring nuclear technicians should have a strong background in math, science, physics, and chemistry. Degree programs will cover instruction in public safety and security, teaching and learning principles, telecommunications, engineering, and computers and electronics.  Major classes may include radiation physics, personnel and environmental monitoring, radiation biophysics, radioactive waste disposal and management, radiation protection, radiation protection, radiation protection, and radiological emergencies.

Michelle Burton is a published author and contributing editor for Trouve Media, Internet Brands, and Publications International, Ltd.