Benefits of Working in
the Nuclear Industry
Supporting Outages
The American commercial nuclear industry is actively seeking new skilled tradespeople and technicians to support the operating nuclear fleet, particularly to support outages. This demand presents a significant opportunity for those looking to enter a stable and lucrative field.
- Outages Explained: Outages are when a nuclear power plant is not operating, i.e., not producing electricity. Planned outages occur at all 94 reactors in the United States every 18-24 months, can vary in length, and are used as a chance to refuel reactors and perform maintenance.
- Job Opportunities During Outages: During an outage, 500-1000 temporary personnel support the reactor’s safe and efficient return to operation. With approximately 60 reactors undergoing outages annually, 30,000 to 60,000 positions need to be filled each year. Many workers support multiple outages yearly, and the number of opportunities is expected to grow as the U.S. aims to triple its nuclear capacity by 2050.
Nuclear Job Benefits
High Earning Potential
Skilled trades like welders, electricians, and instrumentation technicians often earn competitive salaries with median annual wages for nuclear technicians around $104,240 (BLS, 2024). Specialized roles can exceed this with overtime or bonuses.
Job Stability
Nuclear plants need consistent maintenance, ensuring steady employment and long-term demand.
Career Growth
Tradespeople can advance to supervisory roles, project management, or specialized positions through experience and certifications like American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission qualifications (U.S. NRC).
Benefits and Perks
Many nuclear facilities offer robust benefits, including health insurance, pensions, and paid leave. Unionized plants provide additional protections and negotiated wages.
Skill Development
Workers gain expertise in cutting-edge technologies, enhancing transferable skills for other industries like aerospace or manufacturing.
Structured Training
Many employers offer apprenticeships, on-the-job training, or tuition reimbursement for certifications, fostering professional growth.
Work Environment
Nuclear plants involve teamwork, precision, and strict safety protocols, suitable for those who thrive in structured settings.
Opportunities for Travel
There are 94 operating nuclear reactors in the U.S., with more planned, offering chances to travel.
Work/Life Flexibility
Outage schedules are often staggered, allowing employees to support multiple outages and take time off between seasons (typically spring or fall).
Shared Skillset with
Other Industries
Many nuclear trade positions have skills applicable to other industries like power, automotive, construction, and aerospace.
Opportunities and Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
- High school diploma/GED
- Drug Screening/Background Checks
- Physical fitness for manual labor
Additional expectations for outage positions include
- Ability to work in regulated, safety-conscious work environments
- Reliable transportation and flexibility for outage schedules or travel
- Willingness to complete safety and industry-specific training
Notional Qualifications – Qualifications provided to show example specialized requirements. Specific requirements will vary depending on the employer, Union, job site, and experience level required.
| Trade | Notional Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Welder | * American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 or * ASME Section IX |
| Non-Destructive Equipment Tech | * ASNT (American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level I or II in ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle, or penetrant testing * ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V is a plus |
| Boilermaker | * Completion of a union-affiliated or industry-recognized apprenticeship program |
| Pipefitter | * Pipefitting certifications from National Center for Construction Education and Research or the United Association |
| HVAC | * State HVAC license (e.g., Kentucky’s Department of Housing, Buildings + Construction) or * Completion an approved apprenticeship program * Certifications like HVAC Professional (CHP-5) are a plus |
| Radiation Protections Tech | * U.S. NRC or Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Radiation Protection approved training |
| Concrete | * American Concrete Institute certification * Prior experience in concrete work is a plus |
| Carpenter (Scoffold) | * Completion of a recognized apprenticeship program * OSHA safety certification |
| Electrician | Electricians are generally required to hold * A journeyman or master license * Certification, e.g., National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) or * Completion of an apprenticeship, such as International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. |