Nuclear Technician Salary:
The
nuclear technician salary is quite good, especially considering that the desired education level is an associate’s degree. The average median annual salary is also very good when compared with the average median annual salary for all occupations ($34,750). The latest data calculated at a national level by the BLS, indicates that the median annual
nuclear technician salary as of the year 2012 was $69,060 (or $33.20 per hour). The median value is not the same as the value of the average salary. However, in some instances they may be close. The median value indicates the middle value of all the documented salaries for a
nuclear technician in the United States. This means that half of all
nuclear technicians in the United States have earned a bit more than $69,060 per year, and the other half of
nuclear technicians earned somewhat less.
- The top 10 percent of nuclear technicians earned an annual salary of more than $97,300.
- The lowest earning 10 percent of nuclear technicians earned an annual salary of less than $42,270.
The
nuclear technician salary may vary somewhat as a result of the following influencing factors: the industry which employs them, the amount of previous work experience they have, the number of years they have worked, and the geographical location in which they are employed.
- Nuclear technicians who work in Tennessee, Connecticut, New York, Mississippi, and Arizona tend to be the highest paid nuclear technicians.
- Nuclear technicians who work in Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Maryland, and California tend to be the lowest paid nuclear technicians.
- The top paying state for nuclear technicians is Tennessee, with an average nuclear technician salary of $82,780.
The number of years an individual has worked as a
nuclear technician seems to have a significant impact on salary. Those with more experience tend to enjoy higher salaries than those just starting out. Those in the later stage of their career typically have the highest nuclear
How to Become a Nuclear Technician:
Do you want to learn
how to become a nuclear technician? Of course you do. That’s probably why you’re here right now reading this guide! To become a
nuclear technician, you typically need to earn an associate’s degree in nuclear technology, nuclear science, or a related degree. These types of degree programs are typically available at technical schools and community colleges. While in these programs, students typically take classes on the study of radiation, chemistry, the study of equipment used in nuclear labs and nuclear power plants, mathematics, the study of nuclear energy, and the study of physics. It is also possible to become a nuclear technician buy gaining pertinent work experience in nuclear technology while in the military. However, an associate’s degree is most widely desired by employees. When
nuclear technicians start out in the field, they are assigned a supervisor who will oversee their work while they are a trainee. Throughout the time that they work as trainees, their supervisors will teach them how to properly monitor and use the nuclear equipment. They also learn about specific regulations, nuclear plant policies, and safety procedures. Individuals who are hired for nuclear technician positions but lack the educational background typically receive even more extensive training and supervision until they become more experienced. They may not even be granted a regular training schedule until they have undergone extensive on the job training. A training program may last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending upon education level and relevant experience. Training continues throughout the career of a
nuclear technician so that they stay current on the latest technologies and information.
Nuclear Technician Job Description:
The
nuclear technician job description includes assisting with nuclear production as well as nuclear research. A typical
nuclear technician job description contains the following job responsibilities:
- Gathering soil, water, and air samples to test for radioactive contamination.
- Determine the accurate levels as well as the types of radiation emitted through the generation of power, nuclear experiments, and more.
- Teach others about safety and precautions regarding radioactive materials
- Alert people when hazardous conditions are present
- Maintain equipment and monitor radiation levels
Some job responsibilities of nuclear technicians vary depending upon the type of facility they work in. For example, a radiation protection technician’s job responsibilities center on ensuring the safety of other individuals working at the power plant. They monitor the levels of radiation that are present as well as the other worker’s activities. They must ensure that other workers do not enter hazardous environments on the job. They also recommend safety and decontamination plans when hazardous materials become present in the environment. An operating technician oversees the systems used in nuclear power plants. They also monitor the levels of radiation in the environment. Some nuclear technicians work in labs and conduct nuclear research alongside nuclear engineers and physicists. Other
nuclear technicians even work in waste treatment facilities where they oversee the storage and disposal of nuclear waste. There are certain skills that are beneficial for
nuclear technicians to possess. These skills include strong communication and interpersonal skills, mathematics knowledge, computer skills, mechanical skills, monitoring skills, and critical thinking skills. Nuclear technicians typically need background checks and clearances to ensure that they are safe and reliable enough to work in potentially hazardous settings with highly toxic chemicals. It is possible for
nuclear technicians to become nuclear engineers by attaining bachelor’s degrees in nuclear engineering.
Nuclear technicians typically work full time in power plants that are operative all day every day of the year. It is not uncommon for nuclear technicians to have to work occasional evening shifts, weekend shifts, or possibly over holidays.
Nuclear technicians who work in laboratories typically work more regular schedules.
Nuclear Technician Job Outlook:
The
nuclear technician job outlook is projected to grow by about 15% between the years 2012 through 2022. This is faster than the average growth of all other positions. During the year 2012, there were around 8,100 employed
nuclear technicians working in the United States. It is expected that there will be around 9,300 positions for nuclear technicians by the year 2022. The growth is expected to result from a higher demand for nuclear energy as well as energy sources that are better for the environment and emit smaller quantities of greenhouse gases. It is also expected that there will be a greater demand for research on nuclear energy and nuclear engineering.
Nuclear technicians will be needed to assist with nuclear research in laboratory settings. Technicians will also be needed to assist with the development of safer fuels and reactors that are more efficient and take up less space. Over the next decade, there should be a decent number of job prospects for
nuclear technician. As nuclear technicians that have worked for many years retire, new positions will open up. The high demand for nuclear energy sources and research will also lead to an increased number of positions as well as good job security.
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