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Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Runs the machines that generate electricity.
Read the full guide
Power plant operators control and monitor boilers, turbines, generators and reactors from control rooms, and keep equipment running safely around the clock. Nuclear reactor operators need a federal license.
Open the power plant operator guide
The guide checks the courses against your plan, with things to try each year. Free account needed.
High school courses that build toward it
- Physics · Science
Builds physics, which this job uses.
- Calculus · Math
Builds math, which this job uses.
- Engineering Design · Career and Technical
Builds engineering, which this job uses.
- Computer Science Principles · Computer Science
Builds computers and electronics, which this job uses.
- English 10 · English
Builds reading and writing, which this job uses.
Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.