The nuclear energy sector in the U.S. is growing rapidly, driven by goals to expand nuclear capacity, meet clean energy targets, and modernize infrastructure. This growth is creating well-paying jobs across engineering, construction, and operations, with many roles accessible without a four-year degree. Here’s what you should know:
The nuclear sector offers stable, high-paying careers for those interested in contributing to clean energy and modern infrastructure. Whether you’re starting out or transitioning from another field, there’s a place for you in this growing industry.
Nuclear Energy Career Paths: Salaries, Education Requirements, and Entry Routes
If you're considering a career in nuclear and energy projects, the good news is that you don’t necessarily need a four-year degree to get started. As the American Nuclear Society explains:
"You don't need a lab coat or a PhD to work in nuclear science and technology. You can find rewarding, meaningful work no matter your background."
That said, the skills and qualifications required will vary based on the role. For instance, professional engineering roles - such as nuclear, mechanical, electrical, civil, and chemical engineering - typically require at least a Bachelor's degree. Senior or research-oriented positions often demand a Master's or PhD. Scientists in fields like physics, chemistry, and geology follow similar educational paths, while technician roles in operations or IT support usually call for an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
For skilled trades like reactor operators, welders, and electricians, a high school diploma paired with vocational training, apprenticeships, or military experience is often enough. The U.S. Navy, for example, is a major source of reactor operators and technicians who transition into civilian roles. Physical security personnel - who make up about 20% of nuclear plant staffing - often come from military or law enforcement backgrounds.
The educational path you take depends on the role you're aiming for. Engineers typically need a Bachelor's degree in disciplines like nuclear, mechanical, electrical, civil, or chemical engineering, and senior roles often require advanced degrees. Technician roles are more flexible, with many requiring an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s degree in areas like operations, instrumentation, or IT support.
For trade roles, the focus is on hands-on training. Welders, electricians, pipefitters, and carpenters often complete apprenticeships or community college programs to develop their skills. Radiation protection technicians can enter the field with just a week-long training course. Meanwhile, commercial divers - who handle underwater repairs and inspections - need specialized certifications from accredited diving academies.
If you’re pursuing a career as a reactor operator or Senior Reactor Operator (SRO), you’ll need to earn licenses from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These licenses involve passing rigorous exams and operating tests. For example:
Both licenses are valid for six years and are tied to specific facilities.
| Certification/License | Issuing Body | Key Requirements | Validity/Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactor Operator (RO) | NRC | 75-question exam (80% score); Operating test | 6 years; biennial medical exam |
| Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) | NRC | 100-question exam; Rigorous operating test | 6 years; biennial medical exam |
| Radiation Protection Tech | Industry/Facility | Week-long training course; High school diploma | Facility-dependent |
| Commercial Diver | Diving Academies | Specialized underwater training; Safety certifications | Industry standard |
| Welding Inspector | Technical Institutions | Apprenticeship or community college courses | Industry standard |
Each role comes with its own set of technical skills. For instance, reactor operators must be skilled in managing control rods, monitoring sensors, and interpreting data. Radiation protection technicians need to understand NRC regulations, track radiation levels, and prepare for emergencies. Engineers require advanced math skills and expertise in areas like grid interconnection planning and layout design. Outage planners, on the other hand, focus on coordinating refueling and maintenance schedules.
But technical know-how isn’t enough. Soft skills are equally critical. According to the U.S. Department of Energy:
"Project engineers must be able to communicate well with other professionals... They must be able to give instructions, write reports that people without an engineering background can understand as well as present plans, findings and recommendations clearly."
Leadership is crucial for managing teams, while critical thinking helps with making high-pressure decisions about safety and feasibility. Organizational skills are essential for outage planners, and reactor operators must maintain strict attention to detail and adhere to safety protocols.
Practical experience and specialization play a huge role in advancing your career. Many entry-level positions offer employer-sponsored training. For example, non-licensed operators and radiation protection technicians can start with minimal experience and grow through on-the-job learning. High school graduates may enter as radiation protection technicians or through apprenticeships in welding, electrical work, or pipefitting - all of which are vital for plant maintenance and construction.
Mid-level roles often require several years of hands-on experience. Reactor operators, for instance, frequently begin their careers in the U.S. Navy before moving into civilian positions. Engineers who’ve participated in cooperative education programs are highly sought after in the energy sector.
Senior roles demand deep expertise. Whether it’s nuclear engineers designing reactors, civil engineers overseeing large construction projects, or outage planners managing complex schedules, these positions require extensive experience and advanced technical knowledge. Building a large light-water reactor alone involves up to 7,000 workers at peak construction, offering plenty of opportunities for specialization. With the U.S. aiming to triple its nuclear capacity by 2050, the demand for specialized talent is only expected to grow.
With the right mix of skills and certifications, professionals can pursue specialized roles that are key to driving project delivery and advancing design efforts. These roles are integral to nuclear and energy infrastructure projects, covering everything from initial planning to construction and ongoing operations.
Project managers are at the helm of large-scale energy projects, ensuring everything runs smoothly - from meeting technical standards to staying on schedule and within budget. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):
"a leadership function primarily concerned with the organization, coordination and control of large undertakings, with the aim of achieving technical excellence by working to quality standards, optimizing the schedule and the supply chain, and minimizing costs"
Their responsibilities cover a wide range of tasks:
On the other hand, cost estimators focus on validating project baselines, including scope, cost, and timelines, before budget requests move forward. They handle independent cost estimates, oversee reviews, and explain any variances to oversight bodies . For federal energy projects, expertise in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) is critical for tracking progress and maintaining financial control.
These roles typically require a Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or Nuclear) or Construction Management . For government projects, Federal Project Director (FPD) certification and EVMS training are essential credentials. Beyond technical know-how, strong leadership, the ability to make decisions under pressure, and excellent communication skills for negotiating with subcontractors are vital . Programs like the Project Management Career Development Program (PMCDP) offer pathways to achieve FPD certification.
These management roles create a foundation for the specialized engineering positions that support energy infrastructure development.
Nuclear engineers focus on reactor operations, radiation safety, and decommissioning processes. As of 2023, the nuclear energy sector employed 68,008 workers in areas like fuels and electric power generation, with salaries typically ranging from $70,000 to $120,000. Their work includes managing reactor physics, nuclear fuel cycles, and ensuring compliance with safety and nonproliferation regulations.
Electrical engineers specializing in power systems handle the technical aspects of energy collection systems, like cable routing, substation design, and grid interconnection. They also manage tasks like system modeling, grounding systems, and negotiating transmission service agreements.
Civil engineers focus on the structural and physical integrity of project sites. They design foundations, build access roads, and oversee soil and material testing to meet safety standards . Their work also involves permit applications, stormwater management, and holding a Professional Engineering (PE) license to approve infrastructure designs . Key technical skills include proficiency in design software, calculus, trigonometry, and hydraulic system design .
| Engineering Discipline | Primary Focus | Key Specialized Skill | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineers | Reactor physics, radiation protection, decommissioning | Radiation safety and nuclear waste management | $70,000–$120,000 |
| Electrical (Power Systems) Engineers | Grid interconnection, transmission optimization | Power system modeling and interconnection compliance | Industry standard |
| Civil Engineers | Structural foundations, site access, environmental protection | Soil/material testing and surveying operations | Industry standard |
These engineering roles are vital for achieving the country's clean energy targets.
Field and operations roles bring hands-on expertise to the table, ensuring plant safety and efficiency. Radiation protection technicians monitor radiation levels, enforce safety protocols, and prepare for emergencies . Shawna Henry, a Radiation Protection Technician at Nebraska Public Power District, describes her role as:
"The main role of my job as a Radiation Protection Technician is to help protect the health and safety of the public, the plant, and the workers"
Other specialized roles include welders and inspectors, who use advanced tools like X-rays and ultrasonic machines to inspect metal components, and commercial divers, who carry out underwater inspections and repairs on cooling water intakes, outflows, and spent fuel pools. The average salary for a Nuclear Plant Construction Worker in the U.S. is $81,000 annually, with nuclear energy roles generally paying 50% more than other energy generation jobs.
Career growth in these roles often starts with entry-level technician positions, progressing to senior roles managing complex repairs and equipment, and eventually moving into supervisory positions. Many professionals transition successfully from backgrounds in the U.S. Navy or law enforcement. Building a large light-water reactor alone can require around 7,000 workers at peak construction, offering significant opportunities for advancement and specialization. These roles are indispensable for maintaining the safety and reliability of nuclear infrastructure.
Climbing the career ladder in the nuclear energy sector often involves a mix of education, hands-on experience, and continuous training. Tools like the Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap (NEAR) help professionals grow by connecting them with higher education and specialized training opportunities. Michelle Goodson, Director of the ORAU STEM Accelerator, highlights the importance of this approach:
"By bridging educational gaps and creating clear pathways for emerging talent, we are investing in the next generation of nuclear professionals who will drive innovation, ensure safety and contribute to sustainable energy solutions."
For operators, obtaining specialized licenses - such as a senior reactor operator license - opens doors to advanced roles in plant control. Apprenticeships also play a key role, offering workers the chance to learn specialized trade skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Programs like the Nuclear Energy University Program provide mentorship and training, helping individuals transition into senior positions. Scott Cullison, a Mechanical/Design Engineer at Nebraska Public Power District, shares his perspective:
"The environment challenges me to continually improve, be self-critical, take on new experiences, and to work collaboratively with my teammates in achieving best in industry performance."
With over 80% of employers reporting hiring challenges in 2024 and many experienced professionals retiring, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement. These pathways are also well-suited for veterans and military personnel seeking to transition into civilian careers.
Veterans bring a wealth of experience to the nuclear and energy sectors, making up 21% of the commercial nuclear utility workforce and 38% of the Department of Energy workforce. Their background in safety protocols, logistics, and mission-focused leadership aligns perfectly with the needs of the industry. Rick Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Energy, emphasized this connection:
"I believe we owe veterans that opportunity as well, to be able to further our country's energy security with veterans who have so faithfully served our country already."
The U.S. Navy is a key source of talent for commercial reactor operators, many of whom start as non-licensed operators and advance through employer-provided training. Physical security roles, which account for about 20% of nuclear plant staffing, are particularly well-suited for individuals with military or law enforcement backgrounds. Not all nuclear careers require an engineering degree; positions like Reactor Operators, Radiation Protection Technicians, and Physical Security personnel are accessible to many veterans. Tools like the MOS/NEC Translator on platforms such as GetIntoEnergy.org help veterans match their military training to civilian energy careers. John Broschak, Vice President of Generation Operations at Consumers Energy and a Navy veteran, explains:
"Military service instills early responsibility and leadership skills... That leadership experience and level of responsibility is what energy companies are looking for to attract the best talent."
Broschak also founded the Veteran's Advisory Panel (VAP) Employee Resource Group at Consumers Energy, which supports the company’s veteran workforce, comprising 15–20% of its employees. Programs like Solar Ready Vets at Ft. Carson, Colorado, equip active-duty service members with skills like solar panel installation, enabling seamless transitions into renewable energy roles. By tapping into veteran expertise, companies strengthen their workforce and enhance their strategic planning.
Recruiting skilled professionals for nuclear and energy infrastructure projects is no small task. Many employers report hiring challenges in 2024, especially for roles requiring specialized skills. iRecruit.co addresses this by focusing on construction recruiting for mission-critical sectors, targeting positions like construction project managers, engineers, and field-level professionals with the certifications needed for these projects.
The company offers scalable solutions to meet varying recruitment needs. For single-role placements, iRecruit.co charges a 25% success fee, while multi-role recruitment comes with a flat rate per role and a 20% success fee. This success-based pricing ensures companies only pay when a qualified candidate is successfully placed. By leveraging its expertise in construction and technical recruitment, iRecruit.co helps energy companies build the specialized workforce required to meet the growing demands of the industry.
The nuclear and energy infrastructure sector is seeing a hiring boom. In 2023 alone, the clean energy sector added 142,000 jobs - making up nearly 6% of all new jobs in the U.S. economy. Meanwhile, the nuclear industry employed 68,008 workers, with 86% of them focused on electric power generation. Executive orders issued in 2025 aim to quadruple U.S. nuclear capacity, prioritizing global leadership while creating thousands of high-quality jobs.
Artificial intelligence has further fueled the need for reliable, clean power, prompting tech giants to turn to nuclear energy for data centers. Instead of waiting years for new nuclear builds, many utilities are now restarting retired reactors - a trend dubbed the "Restart Revolution." For example, in late 2024, Google and NextEra Energy announced plans to bring the 615-MW Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa back online. This project, backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement, is expected to create hundreds of jobs and contribute billions to the local economy. Similar efforts are underway at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania and the Palisades plant in Michigan, with the latter employing 60 to 80 skilled tradespeople in the first-ever restart of a shuttered U.S. reactor.
However, the industry faces a major challenge: an aging workforce. Roughly 60% of nuclear workers are between 30 and 54 years old, while the number of workers under 30 is 23% lower than in the broader energy workforce. As retirements loom, younger professionals have a unique opportunity to step into these roles. Laura, Director of Nuclear Careers, highlights the skills in demand:
"The most valuable profiles will be bilingual across atoms and algorithms - engineers and project managers who can translate between reactor physics, regulatory constraints, and AI‑enabled decision systems."
The shift toward predictive maintenance using machine learning is also creating new roles for data-driven reliability experts who can merge traditional nuclear expertise with advanced digital tools. For those interested in this growing field, resources on power and energy infrastructure can help map out career paths and industry trends.
This increased demand is not just reshaping job opportunities - it’s also driving up salaries across the sector.
Careers in nuclear and energy infrastructure are among the best-paying in the electric power generation industry. On average, nuclear energy workers earn about 50% more than their counterparts in other electricity generation sectors. In fact, three of the top five median salaries in the energy industry belong to nuclear-specific roles. Even better, many of these high-paying jobs - like nuclear technician or power plant operator - don’t require a four-year STEM degree.
| Role | Median Annual Salary | Typical Entry Education | Work Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineer | $127,520 | Bachelor's Degree | Office/On-site |
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operator | $120,350 | High School Diploma + Training | On-site |
| Nuclear Technician | $101,740 | Associate's Degree | On-site/Lab |
| Electrical Engineer | $118,780 | Bachelor's Degree | Hybrid/On-site |
| Civil Engineer | $99,590 | Bachelor's Degree | Hybrid/On-site |
Regional wage differences also stand out. For example, Nuclear Power Reactor Operators earn between $111,670 in South Carolina and $136,800 in New York. Strong union representation - 19% of nuclear energy workers belong to unions, more than double the national private-sector average - further bolsters pay and benefits.
With over 80% of employers in nuclear construction, manufacturing, and utilities struggling to find qualified workers, companies are turning to specialized recruitment solutions. iRecruit.co addresses this need with targeted construction recruiting for critical sectors, offering flexible pricing options: a 25% success fee for single-role placements or a flat rate with a 20% success fee for multi-role recruitment.
The industry's staffing challenges are set to grow as nuclear projects increasingly adopt advanced technologies like SMRs (Small Modular Reactors) and AI-enabled operations. By 2050, nuclear energy capacity is expected to more than double - from 371 GW(e) in 2022 to 890 GW(e). Meanwhile, electricity demand is forecasted to rise by 50% to 75% over the next 25 years, driven by a 300% increase in data center consumption and a staggering 9,000% jump in electric vehicle usage.
SMRs are leading this transformation, offering factory-built, compact reactor designs that can be located closer to industrial users. Ontario Power Generation, for example, is building the Darlington SMR in Canada - the first of its kind in North America - which is anticipated to create 3,700 union jobs over the next 50 years. In the U.S., TerraPower began constructing a Gen IV Natrium reactor in Kemmerer, Wyoming, in 2024. This project is expected to employ 400 to 540 skilled tradespeople at its peak through 2030.
Henri Paillere, Head of Planning and Economic Studies at the International Atomic Energy Agency, underscores the workforce challenge:
"The high case projection is ambitious but technically feasible... Increasing nuclear capacity means finding more engineers, technicians, welders and more."
As plants transition to predictive maintenance with machine learning, new roles are emerging that blend nuclear engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and AI-assisted design. Regulators are also adopting cloud-native licensing workflows and AI-driven design verification. This shift demands professionals who can bridge traditional nuclear expertise with cutting-edge digital skills. To support this evolution, the U.S. government has allocated $100 million for safety training programs at universities and trade schools, ensuring the workforce is prepared for these new technologies.
The nuclear and energy infrastructure sector offers stable, well-paying careers with long-term benefits while playing a critical role in national security, clean energy goals, and advancing technology. With over 100,000 nuclear energy jobs in the U.S. alone, the opportunities are vast. Whether you're an engineer, skilled tradesperson, project manager, or a veteran transitioning to civilian work, there are roles ranging from entry-level apprenticeships to senior leadership positions.
Skilled professionals are at the heart of this industry. Those conducting Probabilistic Risk Assessments and adhering to strict NRC standards ensure safety and compliance. Meanwhile, innovations like Gen-IV reactors, microreactors, and carbon-free hydrogen production demand specialized engineering expertise. Around-the-clock grid reliability depends on experienced operators and technicians.
"Working at NRC offers a unique opportunity to experience a career where your impact reaches across the country and around the world."
– Nuclear Regulatory Commission
These careers not only support the nation’s energy future but also reinforce security and technological progress.
To meet the growing demand for skilled talent, companies require focused recruitment strategies. iRecruit.co specializes in connecting organizations in mission-critical sectors with pre-qualified candidates for roles like PRA engineers, I&C engineers, nuclear welders, and project managers. With flexible pricing - 25% success fees for single roles and 20% for multiple positions - iRecruit.co helps close the talent gap in nuclear and energy infrastructure.
The alignment between career opportunities and industry needs highlights the importance of targeted recruitment in this field. For professionals seeking stability, competitive pay, and meaningful work, the nuclear sector offers a chance to make a lasting impact. Explore how you can grow in power and energy infrastructure and take the next step in your career.
If you're looking to jump into a nuclear career without spending four years in college, there are plenty of opportunities that require less time and focus on vocational training, certifications, or an associate degree. Jobs like reactor operator, nuclear technician, radiation safety officer, or skilled trades such as electricians and pipefitters are all within reach through shorter, specialized programs.
What’s more, gaining hands-on experience and earning relevant certifications can fast-track your career. These technical and trade-focused roles not only offer competitive pay but also provide solid opportunities for advancement over time.
Earning an NRC reactor operator license is no small feat. It involves completing an intensive 18–24-month training program at a nuclear facility. After that, candidates must pass both written and performance exams administered by the NRC. On top of that, they need to meet strict requirements for education, experience, and medical fitness. This demanding process ensures that reactor operators are equipped to uphold the highest levels of safety and expertise.
Jobs are set to expand in areas like nuclear plant operators, digital refurbishment specialists, and workforce planning professionals, thanks to advancements in SMRs and AI. AI is reshaping how plants operate, making processes smarter and more efficient. Meanwhile, SMRs offer flexible, scalable solutions, boosting the need for skilled professionals in these fields.
