Nuclear Security Officer

Also called: Nuclear Power Plant Security Officer, Protective Force Officer

An armed officer who guards nuclear power plants or weapons facilities against attack.

A day in the life

Nuclear security officers stand posts in bullet-resistant enclosures, patrol fences, and train hard in tactical drills tested by federal regulators. Department of Energy protective forces guard nuclear weapons sites.

Pay over a career

Starting

$50k

Typical

$72k

High

$100k

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma; military or police background common; extensive firearms training and clearance.

Ways in: On-the-job training, Military. Training cost: Get paid while you train.

Majors to look at: Criminal Justice.

Outlook

Growing slowly. Approximate.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Sensors and cameras watch fences; armed response drills tested by regulators stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: PE / strength training, Physics, Government / Civics.

• Join JROTC or Civil Air Patrol
• Earn CPR/First Aid

Official data: O*NET occupation 33-9032.

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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.