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Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

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Operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.

Sample of reported job titles: Licensed Reactor Operator, Nuclear Control Operator, Nuclear Control Room Operator, Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO), Nuclear Power Reactor Operator, Nuclear Reactor Operator, Nuclear Station Operator (NSO), Nuclear Supervising Operator (NSO), Nuclear Unit Operator, Reactor Operator (RO)

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Tasks  |  Technology Skills  |  Tools Used  |  Knowledge  |  Skills  |  Abilities  |  Work Activities  |  Detailed Work Activities  |  Work Context  |  Job Zone  |  Education  |  Credentials  |  Interests  |  Work Styles  |  Work Values  |  Related Occupations  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks

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  • Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or the effects of generator loading on other equipment.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Review and edit standard operating procedures.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Conduct inspections or operations outside of control rooms as necessary.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Authorize maintenance activities on units or changes in equipment or system operational status.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Supervise technicians’ work activities to ensure that equipment is operated in accordance with policies and procedures that protect workers from radiation and ensure environmental safety.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Authorize actions to correct identified operational inefficiencies or hazards so that operating efficiency is maximized and potential environmental issues are minimized.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Direct the collection and testing of air, water, gas, or solid samples to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Direct measurement of the intensity or types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Identify or direct implementation of appropriate decontamination procedures, based on equipment and the size, nature, and type of contamination.See more occupations related to this task.

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Technology Skills

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  • Data base user interface and query software — Data logging software; Microsoft Access Hot technology ; Plant information data entry softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Office suite software — Microsoft Office Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

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Knowledge

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  • Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.See more occupations related to this knowledge.

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Skills

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  • Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.See more occupations related to this skill.

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Abilities

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  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.See more occupations related to this ability.

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Work Activities

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  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Detailed Work Activities

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  • Operate energy production equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Operate energy distribution equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Direct operational or production activities.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Diagnose equipment malfunctions.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Record operational or production data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Exchange information with colleagues.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Document organizational or operational procedures.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Inspect facilities.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Work Context

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  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 100% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 99% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Telephone — 97% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 91% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Electronic Mail — 88% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 89% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Contact With Others — 69% responded “Constant contact with others.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Consequence of Error — 82% responded “Extremely serious.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 72% responded “Very important results.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 76% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 66% responded “Very high responsibility.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Coordinate or Lead Others — 53% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — 70% responded “More than 40 hours.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 71% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Time Pressure — 61% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 54% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 49% responded “High responsibility.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Physical Proximity — 49% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Exposed to Radiation — 38% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Sitting — 65% responded “More than half the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Conflict Situations — 38% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 26% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 33% responded “More than half the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Letters and Memos — 24% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Degree of Automation — 48% responded “Moderately automated.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 38% responded “Limited freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 34% responded “Limited freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Public Speaking — 27% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.

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Job Zone

Title Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.
Related Experience Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
SVP Range (6.0 to < 7.0)

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Education


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Required
50   High school diploma or equivalent

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16   Post-secondary certificate

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15   Bachelor’s degree

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Credentials

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Interests

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Interest code: RCE   Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.See more occupations related to this interest.

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Work Styles

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  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.

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Work Values

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  • Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.See more occupations related to this work value.

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Related Occupations

Show fewer All 10 displayed
17-3026.00 Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
17-3027.00 Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
19-4031.00 Chemical Technicians
19-4051.00 Nuclear Technicians
19-4051.02 Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
51-8012.00 Power Distributors and Dispatchers
51-8013.00 Power Plant Operators
51-8091.00 Chemical Plant and System Operators
51-8092.00 Gas Plant Operators
51-9011.00 Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

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Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2020) $50.02 hourly, $104,040 annual
State wages
 
Local wages
  
Employment (2020) 5,300 employees
Projected growth (2020-2030) Decline (-1% or lower) Decline (-1% or lower)
Projected job openings (2020-2030) 200
State trends
 
Top industries (2020)
Utilities
Government

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data external site and 2020-2030 employment projections external site . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information

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Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

  • American Public Power Association external site
  • Center for Energy Workforce Development external site
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers external site
  • North American Electric Reliability Corporation external site
  • Nuclear Energy Institute external site
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers external site

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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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