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Nuclear Technician

💰 Earn $94K-$113K
📚 Associate Degree
⏱️ 12–24 Month Training
📈 1.1% Job Growth
  • Ideal for those passionate about nuclear science and environmental safety.
  • Play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient nuclear power generation.
  • Work with cutting-edge technology to monitor and maintain nuclear equipment.
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Nuclear Technician
What Nuclear Technicians DoAssist 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.
  • 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.
  • Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.
  • Apply safety tags to equipment needing maintenance.
Nuclear Technicians Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationAssociate Degree
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time1 to 2 years
Job Openings900 Annually

Median earnings

California Median

$99,270

Most earn within this range

median ▾
$94K25th percentile
$113K75th percentile

National Median

$110,240

Most earn within this range

median ▾
$99K25th percentile
$124K75th percentile
Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Thinking and problem solving
  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Having support
  • Job security
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Mathematics
Go Deeper: Nuclear Technicians Explained
Nuclear Technician
Nuclear TechnicianExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Vocational School
Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Apprenticeship
ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.
🎓 Paid Work
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
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What Is the Sciences Industry?
Sciences
SciencesThe primary activities of this group involve conducting research, performing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and developing theories to better understand natural phenomena and social behavior.
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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