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Science

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Nuclear Technicians
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Median pay

$104,240
Median annual pay for Nuclear Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-7.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

6,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Nuclear Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Associate's degree
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Public Safety and Security
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Physics
  4. 4Engineering and Technology
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Chemistry

Abilities

  1. 1Problem Sensitivity
  2. 2Information Ordering
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Written Comprehension
  5. 5Inductive Reasoning
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Self-Control
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  2. 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  3. 3Documenting/Recording Information
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  3. 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  4. 4Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  5. 5Telephone Conversations
  6. 6Exposed to Radiation

Representative tasks

  • Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
  • Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.
  • Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.
  • Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.
  • Apply safety tags to equipment needing maintenance.
  • Follow policies and procedures for radiation workers to ensure personnel safety.
  • Modify, devise, or maintain nuclear equipment used in operations.
  • Monitor instruments, gauges, or recording devices under direction of nuclear experimenters.

Software and tools

Linux · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyStructured query language SQL · hot technologyData logging softwareDatabase softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareVMware

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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