Life As a Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician
Occupation Description Operate equipment used for the release, control, or utilization of nuclear energy to assist scientists in laboratory or production activities.
Life As a Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician
- Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
- Follow policies and procedures for radiation workers to ensure personnel safety.
- Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.
- Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.
- Adjust controls of equipment to control particle beam movement, pulse rates, energy or intensity, or radiation, according to specifications.
- Collect air, water, gas or solid samples for testing to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment.
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What a Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician Jobs
- Operation Specialist
- Electric Systems Operator
- Nuclear Station Operator
- Cell Support Operator
- Nuclear Technician
Job Opportunities for Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians
In the United States, there were 6,900 jobs for Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician. The BLS estimates 800 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician are Connecticut, Washington, and Missouri. Watch out if you plan on working in Idaho, Virginia, or Pennsylvania. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician ranges between $49,820 and $114,670.

Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians who work in California, New York, or Pennsylvania, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
California | $95,420 |
Connecticut | $78,300 |
Florida | $88,550 |
Idaho | $73,160 |
Illinois | $84,810 |
Louisiana | $61,080 |
Mississippi | $79,890 |
New York | $95,940 |
North Carolina | $86,300 |
Ohio | $73,210 |
Pennsylvania | $93,380 |
South Carolina | $69,130 |
Tennessee | $86,030 |
Texas | $85,990 |
Virginia | $61,010 |
What Tools & Technology do Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Spreadsheet software
- Structured query language SQL
- Database software
- Linux
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- VMware
- Microsoft operating system
- Data logging software
- VMWare ESX Server
Becoming a Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become a Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians Work

The table below shows the approximate number of Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians employed by various industries.

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
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