Real Career Opportunities: Nuclear Plant Operators — What the Job Is, Who’s Hiring, and How Much It Pays
Demand for nuclear workers could rise 275% as utilities extend plant lifespans. Here’s a closer look at one of the most critical roles on the grid.
Utilities are hiring at levels not seen in decades, and nowhere is the surge more visible than in nuclear. A 2025 Deloitte report projects the nuclear workforce may need to grow by nearly threefold to meet demand from extended reactor operations, restarts of retired plants, and the buildout of small modular reactors.
For job-seekers, this translates into thousands of opportunities across engineering, operations, and safety. Some roles demand advanced degrees and specialized training — but many others provide on-the-job learning, offer entry through technical certificates, or welcome mid-career workers from other industries.
If you’ve been impacted by layoffs, automation, or shifts in your field, this series is designed to show how your existing skills could translate into stable, future-facing careers in energy.
In this new Real Career Opportunities series, Positive Current will spotlight one job at a time — what the role entails, the skills required, who’s hiring, and how much you can expect to earn. Each week, we’ll break down a different position shaping the energy transition, so you can see where your background fits and what steps might open the door.
This week: Nuclear Plant Operators.
Nuclear Plant Operators
Nuclear plant operators are the steady hands behind some of the most complex machinery in the energy system. On any given shift, they’re monitoring reactor performance, adjusting controls to keep electricity flowing smoothly, and running safety drills to prepare for the unexpected.
The job demands focus and precision — a single misstep can ripple across the grid — but it’s also deeply collaborative, with operators working in teams to troubleshoot issues and keep plants running reliably. For those who thrive in high-stakes environments and want a career at the center of the clean energy transition, this is where the action is.
Salary Snapshot:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) average: $121,830/year
Typical range: $92K–$152K, depending on experience and location
Who’s a Fit:
Skilled tradespeople (mechanics, electricians, machinists)
Military veterans with nuclear propulsion or technical systems training
Candidates with a high school diploma or associate degree plus specialized training
Mid-career workers in manufacturing or utilities — especially with safety or operations experience
Who’s Hiring:
At the time of this posting, Dominion Energy and Constellation are actively hiring nuclear plant operators, along with the City of Redding, California, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and companies such as Xcel Energy and PSEG.
The Bottom Line
Nuclear plant operators may not be the most visible role in the energy transition, but they’re among the most essential. As utilities race to expand capacity and keep the grid reliable, these are the workers ensuring nuclear power delivers on its promise of clean, steady electricity. For job-seekers, it’s a chance to step into a career that’s not only well-paid but deeply tied to the future of the grid.
Disclaimer: Salary ranges are based on reported averages as of 2024. Employer demand reflects postings available at the time of publication and may change. Check company career sites directly for the most current opportunities.