As of June 2026, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators has an AI-exposure score of 72/100 (Very High exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
More exposed than 93% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$122,890. About 400 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
How you compare to similar Production roles
Your tasks, by AI exposure
- Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
- Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
- Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
- Review and edit standard operating procedures.
- Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
- Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.
- 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.
- Direct measurement of the intensity or types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials.
- Direct the collection and testing of air, water, gas, or solid samples to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment.
- Authorize actions to correct identified operational inefficiencies or hazards so that operating efficiency is maximized and potential environmental issues are minimized.
- Authorize maintenance activities on units or changes in equipment or system operational status.
- Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
- Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
- Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.
- Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading.
- Conduct inspections or operations outside of control rooms as necessary.
- Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
- Supervise technicians' work activities to ensure that equipment is operated in accordance with policies and procedures that protect workers from radiation and ensure environmental safety.
- Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (74%).
Safer adjacent roles
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