Nuclear Technicians: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Nuclear Technicians fall under the Life, Physical, and Social Science category in the U.S. occupational classification. Nuclear Technicians earn a median salary of $104,240 per year, ranking in the top 10% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -7.7% job growth through 2034, projected to lose jobs through 2034. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do nuclear technicians earn?

The median annual wage for nuclear technicians is $104,240. That puts nuclear technicians at #82 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. Pay at this level is well above the U.S. median household income, signaling sustained demand and meaningful credential requirements. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is nuclear technicians a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for nuclear technicians is -7.7%, projected to lose jobs through 2034. Employment is projected to move from approximately 6K positions in 2024 to 5K in 2034, a net change of -1K. A declining outlook does not mean the field is disappearing; it means automation, demographics, or substitution effects are shrinking the pool of openings. Students entering a declining field should plan for adjacent skills that transfer to growing roles.

What do nuclear technicians do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working nuclear technicians, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.
2. 2.Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.
3. 3.Apply safety tags to equipment needing maintenance.
4. 4.Modify, devise, or maintain nuclear equipment used in operations.
5. 5.Follow policies and procedures for radiation workers to ensure personnel safety.
6. 6.Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
7. 7.Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.

Top skills for nuclear technicians

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become nuclear technician?

The standard path into nuclear technicians begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Physicists
  $166,290 median
• Political Scientists
  $139,380 median
• Astronomers
  $132,170 median
• Physical Scientists, All Other
  $117,960 median
• Psychologists, All Other
  $117,580 median
• Economists
  $115,440 median

Common questions parents ask about nuclear technicians