SOC 51-8011
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ79/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ5,720
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$123K
$99K โ $153K
Projected Growth
๐-15.3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค76/100
High exposure
๐ก Nuclear Power Reactor Operators face a risk score of 79/100 โ 35 points above the national average of 44. With 76/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $123K ($76K 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 79/100, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include ai-powered research and literature review tools and predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles. The 5,720 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection and troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Nuclear Power Reactor Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
AI-powered research and literature review tools
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Generative AI producing marketing and creative copy
AI summarization replacing manual report compilation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
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
Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or the effects of generator loading on other equipment.
๐ป Technology Skills
Data base user interface and query software
Development environment software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Calendar and scheduling software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Physics
Mechanical
Public Safety and Security
Mathematics
Engineering and Technology
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 | 53% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 29 | $128K | 65% |
| Aerospace Engineers | 33 | $135K | 57% |