Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Make?
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators earn a median annual salary of $122,610 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $99,300 at the 10th percentile to $152,690 at the 90th percentile — a range of $53,390. The highest-paying state is New York at $131,520.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $99,300 |
| 25th percentile | $107,170 |
| Median (50th) | $122,610 |
| 75th percentile | $131,520 |
| 90th percentile | $152,690 |
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Yorktop | $131,520 |
| Ohio | $124,030 |
| South Carolina | $112,070 |
| Nebraska | $111,300 |
| North Carolina | $107,200 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$99,300 – $107,170 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$122,610 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$131,520 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $152,690+ |
How to Earn More as a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in New York earn $131,520 — $8,910 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($131,520) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operatorthis career | $122,610 |
| Geothermal Production Manager | $121,440 |
| Biomass Power Plant Manager | $121,440 |
| Hydroelectric Production Manager | $121,440 |
| Chemical Engineer | $121,860 |
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SOC: 51-8011.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.