SOC 17-2161
Nuclear Engineers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ35/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ14,740
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$128K
$88K โ $187K
Projected Growth
๐-1.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค81/100
High exposure
๐ก Nuclear Engineers face a risk score of 35/100 โ 9 points below the national average of 44. With 81/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $128K ($81K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 35/100, Nuclear Engineers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai-optimized manufacturing process design are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 14,740 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects and safety-critical judgment in design review to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Nuclear Engineers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
AI-optimized manufacturing process design
AI-powered research and literature review tools
AI-generated written content replacing manual drafting
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects
Safety-critical judgment in design review
On-site problem-solving in variable physical conditions
Novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms.
Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or could jeopardize safe operations.
Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
Examine accidents to obtain data for use in design of preventive measures.
Direct operating or maintenance activities of nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards.
๐ป Technology Skills
Analytical or scientific software
Object or component oriented development software
Computer aided design CAD software
Desktop publishing software
Development environment software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Engineering and Technology
Physics
Mathematics
English Language
Public Safety and Security
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 80% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 29 | $128K | 72% |
| Political Scientists | 25 | $139K | 65% |