Also called: Nuclear Equipment Technician, Nuclear Monitoring Technician
Helps physicists and engineers operate nuclear equipment and monitor radiation.
You run tests on reactor systems during an outage, collect water samples from coolant loops, and operate the instruments that measure radiation in the plant. Everything is logged and double-checked.
Approximate May 2024 figures; unusually high pay for a two-year degree.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate in nuclear science or nuclear technology; Navy nuclear training is a common route.
Ways in: 2-year college, Military, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Nuclear Technology, Nuclear Science.
Shrinking. BLS projects a decline, but retirements create openings.
Low risk for 10 years. Automation logs readings, but operating nuclear equipment and handling radioactive material stays hands-on and licensed.
Classes: Physics, Chemistry, Algebra II, Electronics CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4051.
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