Also called: Navy ETN
Operates and repairs the reactor control and instrumentation systems on nuclear ships.
ETNs are the reactor operators who watch panels and adjust power, and they troubleshoot complex electronics. They earn college credit (often an associate degree) during training. Civilian reactor operators earn ~$120k.
RMC (base pay + housing/food allowances + tax advantage) for typical E-1 to E-7 ranks, 2026 estimate, plus the special-duty, hazardous-duty, or skill pays this specialty usually earns. Enlistment/reenlistment bonuses for this field can be $10k-$50k+.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 2 years after high school. High school diploma, top ASVAB, then ~2 years of Nuclear Field training. Free-college benefits: Tuition Assistance (up to $4,500/yr) while serving, the Post-9/11 GI Bill (36 months of tuition + housing stipend) afterward, and SkillBridge internships before separating.
Ways in: Military, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering Technology.
Growing about average. Military specialties are not in BLS projections. The services recruit for this job every year and openings track force size and retention rather than market growth.
Low risk for 10 years. Reactor controls are automated by design; operators and repair techs stay required.
Classes: AP Physics, Electronics CTE, Algebra II.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.