As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Reactor Operator in the United States is $97,952 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Reactor Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Reactor Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Reactor Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Nuclear E... Level Reactor Operator | $84,223 |
| Reactor O... Level Reactor Operator | $98,449 |
| Nuclear E... Level Reactor Operator | $119,401 |
| Nuclear E... Level Reactor Operator | $144,236 |
| Nuclear E... Level Reactor Operator | $166,572 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Reactor Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.2% |
| AutoCAD | 1.76% |
| Programming | 1.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Customer Service
|
$113,624 |
16%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$109,706 |
12%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$109,706 |
12%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$108,726 |
11%
|
|
Consulting
|
$107,747 |
10%
|
|
SQL
|
$107,747 |
10%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Reactor Operators enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Reactor Operator with a Bachelor's Degree is between $102,828 and $108,758).
Reactor Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 1.6% |
| Associates | 57.4% |
| Bachelors | 32.8% |
| Masters | 57.4% |
| Doctorate | 8.2% |
Understanding how a Reactor Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Salaries for a Reactor Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $102,144 in 2023 to around $101,254 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Reactor Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $102,144 |
| 2024 | $102,044 |
| 2025 | $101,254 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Reactor Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.
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