Nuclear Technician

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

On the job, you would:

Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.
Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Nuclear technicians receive complex instructions from scientists and engineers that they must follow exactly. They have to ask questions to clarify anything they do not understand. Nuclear technicians must explain their work to scientists, engineers, and reactor operators. They must also instruct others on safety procedures and warn them of hazardous conditions. Many of the daily procedures and work processes must be thoroughly documented because of the risky nature of the work.

Computer skills. Nuclear technicians must use computers for plant operations and for normal office work, such as documenting their activities.

Critical-thinking skills. Nuclear technicians must carefully evaluate all available information before deciding on a course of action. For example, radiation protection technicians must evaluate data from radiation detectors to determine if areas are safe and must develop decontamination plans if they are not safe.

Math skills. Nuclear technicians use scientific and mathematical formulas to analyze experimental and production data, such as reaction rates and radiation exposures.

Mechanical skills. Nuclear technicians need to have strong mechanical aptitude. Nuclear power facilities are complex, and workers need to understand how the facilities work in order to make adjustments and repairs to equipment and to maintain a safe working environment. Employers hiring nuclear technicians in nuclear power plants often conduct mechanical aptitude tests as part of the hiring process.

Monitoring skills. Nuclear technicians must assess data from sensors, gauges, and other instruments to make sure that equipment and experiments are functioning properly and that radiation levels are controlled.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		97%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		93%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		87%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		77%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		77%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		75%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		74%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		73%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		63%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		61%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		61%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		59%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		56%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		100%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
		72%	Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
		67%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		95%	Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		75%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		75%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		75%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		75%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		75%	Perceptual Speed - The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
		72%	Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
		72%	Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
		72%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		69%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		69%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		69%	Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
		66%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		66%	Auditory Attention - The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
		66%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		66%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		60%	Hearing Sensitivity - The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
		56%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		53%	Reaction Time - The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
		53%	Visual Color Discrimination - The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		57%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		57%	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.
		57%	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
		57%	Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
		54%	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
		52%	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
		52%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		52%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Monitor operations to ensure compliance with safety or security policies or regulations.

Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.

Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.

Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.

Maintain work equipment or machinery.

Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.

Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.

Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.

Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.

Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.

Communicate safety or hazard information to others.

Measure radiation levels.

Communicate with other workers to coordinate activities.

Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.

Identify sustainable business practices.

Clean objects.

Prepare operational reports.

Collect environmental data or samples.

Advise others on management of emergencies or hazardous situations or materials.

Set up laboratory or field equipment.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		100%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		96%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		95%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		95%	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets - How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
		94%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		92%	Exposed to Radiation - How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
		91%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		87%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		86%	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable - How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
		84%	Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
		83%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		83%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		82%	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety - How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
		82%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		81%	Exposed to Hazardous Conditions - How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
		80%	Consequence of Error - How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
		77%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		76%	Very Hot or Cold Temperatures - How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
		76%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		75%	Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting - How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
		74%	Exposed to Contaminants - How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
		73%	Outdoors, Exposed to Weather - How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
		72%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		68%	Exposed to Hazardous Equipment - How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
		67%	Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions - How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
		64%	Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection - How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
		64%	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls - How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
		64%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		58%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		58%	Outdoors, Under Cover - How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?
		56%	Exposed to High Places - How often does this job require exposure to high places?
		56%	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
		56%	Spend Time Walking and Running - How much does this job require walking and running?
		56%	Frequency of Conflict Situations - How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
		54%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		53%	In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment - How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
		52%	Spend Time Standing - How much does this job require standing?
		79%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		92%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		90%	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
		88%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		86%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		83%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		82%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		81%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		80%	Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
		77%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		72%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		72%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		67%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		66%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		63%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		59%	Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
		56%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		54%	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
		52%	Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
		52%	Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
		51%	Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
		51%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

What Nuclear Technicians Do

Nuclear technicians use instruments, such as geiger counters, to monitor radiation levels.

Nuclear technicians typically work in nuclear energy production or assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research. They operate special equipment used in these activities and monitor the levels of radiation that are produced.

Duties

Nuclear technicians typically do the following:

Monitor the performance of equipment used in nuclear experiments and power generation
Measure the levels and types of radiation produced by nuclear experiments, power generation, and other activities
Collect samples of air, water, and soil, and test for radioactive contamination
Instruct personnel on radiation safety procedures and warn them of hazardous conditions
Operate and maintain radiation monitoring equipment

Job duties and titles of nuclear technicians often depend on where they work and what purpose the facility serves. Most nuclear technicians work in nuclear power plants, where they ensure that reactors and other equipment are operated safely and efficiently. The following are types of nuclear technicians who work in the power generation industry:

Operating technicians monitor the performance of systems in nuclear power plants. They measure levels of radiation and other contaminants in water systems. The levels they find could indicate a leak or could decrease the efficiency of the turbines in the power plants. They measure efficiency and ensure safety by making calculations based on factors such as temperature, pressure, and radiation intensity. Operating technicians must make adjustments and repairs to maintain or improve the performance of reactors and other equipment.

Radiation protection technicians monitor levels of radiation contamination to protect personnel in nuclear power facilities and the surrounding environment. They use radiation detectors to measure levels in and around facilities, and they use dosimeters to measure the levels present in people and objects. Technicians map radiation levels throughout the plant and the surrounding environment and recommend radioactive decontamination plans and safety procedures for personnel. They also monitor worker activity from a control room and alert personnel who may be entering a dangerous area or working in an unsafe way.

Nuclear technicians also work in waste management and treatment facilities, where they monitor the disposal, recycling, and storage of nuclear waste. They perform duties similar to those of radiation protection technicians at nuclear power plants.

Some nuclear technicians work in laboratories. They help nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, and other scientists conduct research and develop new types of nuclear reactors, fuels, medicines, and other technologies. They use equipment such as radiation detectors, spectrometers (utilized to measure gamma ray and x-ray radiation), and particle accelerators to conduct experiments and gather data. They also may use remote-controlled equipment to manipulate radioactive materials or materials exposed to radiation.

Work Environment

Nuclear technicians held about 5,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of nuclear technicians were as follows:

Electric power generation, transmission and distribution	61%
Professional, scientific, and technical services	20
Manufacturing	7

Most nuclear technicians work in nuclear power plants, where they typically work in offices and control rooms. The technicians use computers and other equipment to monitor and help operate nuclear reactors. Nuclear technicians also need to measure radiation levels onsite, requiring them to visit several areas in and around the plant throughout the workday. This task may sometimes require them to work outside, regardless of weather conditions. Working around nuclear reactors may involve exposure to high temperatures. Nuclear technicians who conduct scientific tests for scientists and engineers typically work in laboratories.

Nuclear technicians must take precautions when working with or around nuclear materials. They often have to wear protective gear and special badges that indicate whether they have been exposed to radiation. Protective gear may include hardhats, hearing and eye protection, plastic suits, and respirators.

Work Schedules

Most nuclear technicians work full time. In power plants, which operate 24 hours a day, technicians may work variable schedules that include nights, holidays, and weekends. Occasionally, plants stop operations for maintenance and upgrades. Workers may need to work overtime during these periods. In laboratories, technicians typically work during normal business hours.

Getting Started

Education:

How to Become a Nuclear Technician

Most employers prefer applicants who have at least an associate’s degree in nuclear science or a nuclear-related technology.

Nuclear technicians typically need an associate’s degree in nuclear science or a nuclear-related technology. Some may have gained equivalent experience from serving in the military. Nuclear technicians also go through extensive on-the-job training. For safety and security reasons, nuclear technicians usually must undergo a background check and receive some type of security clearance after they are hired.

Education

Nuclear technicians typically need an associate’s degree, or they may have equivalent experience from serving in the military—specifically, the U.S. Navy. Many community colleges and technical institutes offer associate’s degree programs in nuclear science, nuclear technology, or related fields. Students study nuclear energy, radiation, and the equipment and components used in nuclear power plants and laboratories. Other coursework includes mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

Training

In nuclear power plants, nuclear technicians start out as trainees under the supervision of more experienced technicians. During their training, they are taught the proper ways to use operating and monitoring equipment. They are also taught safety procedures, regulations, and plant policies. Workers who do not have the appropriate associate’s degree or its equivalent usually have a substantial period of onsite technical training provided by their employer before they begin full duties and a normal training schedule.

Training varies with the technician’s previous experience and education. Most training programs last between 6 months and 2 years. Nuclear technicians go through additional training and education throughout their careers to keep up with advances in nuclear science and technology.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

The Nuclear Energy Institute offers a certificate through its Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program. The American Society for Nondestructive Testing offers Industrial Radiography and Radiation Safety Personnel certification. The National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists offers certification as a Registered Radiation Protection Technologist.

Advancement

With additional training and experience, technicians may become nuclear power reactor operators at nuclear power plants. Technicians can become nuclear engineers by earning a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering. Nuclear physicists need a Ph.D. in physics. For more information, see the profiles on power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers; nuclear engineers; and physicists and astronomers.

Job Outlook

Employment of nuclear technicians is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.

Despite limited employment growth, about 600 openings for nuclear technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Traditionally, utilities that own or build nuclear power plants have employed the greatest number of nuclear technicians. However, both the increasing viability of renewable energy and limited construction of new nuclear power plants put economic pressure on traditional nuclear power generation and reduce demand for these technicians. Even with this pressure, there will still be a need for some technicians to help maintain and upgrade existing nuclear power plants.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about nuclear technicians, visit

Center for Energy Workforce Development

Get Into Energy

Nuclear Energy Institute

For information about certification, visit

American Society for Nondestructive Testing

National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of nuclear technicians.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Chemical Technicians	Chemical technicians conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze the properties of materials.	Associate's degree	$50,840
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste.	High school diploma or equivalent	$46,690
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture machines and other devices.	Associate's degree	$61,990
Nuclear Engineers	Nuclear engineers research and develop projects or address problems concerning the release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.	Bachelor's degree	$122,480
Nuclear Medicine Technologists	Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment.	Associate's degree	$85,300
Physicists and Astronomers	Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.	Doctoral or professional degree	$139,220
Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers	Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.	High school diploma or equivalent	$97,570
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians	Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on, analyze, and design improvements to work environments and procedures.	See How to Become One	$75,240

Nuclear Technician

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Nuclear Technicians Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Nuclear Technician

Education

Training

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Advancement

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations