Nuclear Reactor Operators and Technicians

Employers

There are 5,800 nuclear power plant reactor operators and 5,400 nuclear technicians employed in the United States. There are 94 nuclear power plants in 28 states in the United States, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute. In addition, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates research and test reactors. Nuclear reactor operators and technicians work at nuclear power plants and are employed by utility or energy companies, universities, and other institutions operating these facilities.

Starting Out

In recent years, nuclear technology programs have been the best source for hiring nuclear reactor operator technicians. Students are usually interviewed and hired by the nuclear power plant personnel recruiters toward the end of their technical college program and start working in the power plant as trainees after they graduate.

Navy veterans from nuclear programs and employees from other parts of the nuclear power plant may also be good candidates for entering a nuclear reactor operator training program.