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.

AI Exposure Score for

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

72/100
Very High exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

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.

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How you compare to similar Production roles

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators (you)
72
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
71
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
70
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
64
Prepress Technicians and Workers
64
Biomass Plant Technicians
63
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • 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.
Augmentable
  • 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.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (74%).

Safer adjacent roles

Nuclear Technicians
80% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$110,240
65
Power Plant Operators
72% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$102,040
57
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
64% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$102,040
53
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
56% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$110,240
59
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
48% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$78,620
61
Chemical Plant and System Operators
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$78,120
60
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
40% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$106,730
71
Gas Plant Operators
40% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$87,820
63

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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.