Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for nuclear power reactor operators in the United States was $122,890 ($59.08 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $98,640 | $47.42 |
| 25th | $109,440 | $52.61 |
| Median | $122,890 | $59.08 |
| 75th | $130,490 | $62.73 |
| 90th | $149,310 | $71.78 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 51-8011
- Total U.S. employment: 5,150
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
The median wage in this area is 0.0% below the national median — a difference of about $0 per year for a typical worker.
At $59.08 per hour, a full-time schedule (2,080 hours per year) works out to roughly $122,886 — in line with the reported median annual wage of $122,890.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $119,000 | $57.21 | -3.2% | 360 |
| Illinois | $123,980 | $59.60 | +0.9% | 410 |
| Nebraska | $108,650 | $52.24 | -11.6% | 50 |
| New York | $129,580 | $62.30 | +5.4% | 230 |
| South Carolina | $118,620 | $57.03 | -3.5% | 320 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Training and Development Specialists — $69,280/yr
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — $37,450/yr
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics — $64,520/yr
- Social and Human Service Assistants — $45,930/yr
- Computer Occupations, All Other — $116,580/yr
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop — $31,200/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for nuclear power reactor operators?
The median annual wage for nuclear power reactor operators is $122,890 ($59.08 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays nuclear power reactor operators the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many nuclear power reactor operators are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 5,150 nuclear power reactor operators employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do nuclear power reactor operators make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $59.08. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.