Life As a Nuclear Engineer
Job Description: Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
Life As a Nuclear Engineer: What Do They Do?
- Conduct environmental studies related to topics such as nuclear power generation, nuclear waste disposal, or nuclear weapon deployment.
- Perform experiments that will provide information about acceptable methods of nuclear material usage, nuclear fuel reclamation, or waste disposal.
- Consult with other scientists to determine parameters of experimentation or suitability of analytical models.
- Conduct tests of nuclear fuel behavior and cycles or performance of nuclear machinery and equipment to optimize performance of existing plants.
- Write operational instructions to be used in nuclear plant operation or nuclear fuel or waste handling and disposal.
- Keep abreast of developments and changes in the nuclear field by reading technical journals or by independent study and research.
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What Every Nuclear Engineer Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Nuclear Engineers say are important on the job.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles
- Radiological Engineer
- Resident Inspector
- Radioactive Materials Waste Management Engineer
- Steam Technical Advisor
- Nuclear Fuels Research Engineer
Is There Going to be Demand for Nuclear Engineers?
There were about 17,700 jobs for Nuclear Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 700 new jobs for Nuclear Engineer by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,400 positions for Nuclear Engineer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Nuclear Engineer are Nevada, Florida, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Alabama, Mississippi, or Minnesota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Nuclear Engineer
The average yearly salary of a Nuclear Engineer ranges between $68,560 and $162,360.
Nuclear Engineers who work in New Mexico, California, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Nuclear Engineers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $102,100 |
| California | $132,180 |
| Connecticut | $112,430 |
| Florida | $103,680 |
| Idaho | $128,270 |
| Illinois | $117,710 |
| Kansas | $113,690 |
| Louisiana | $98,900 |
| Maryland | $137,930 |
| Michigan | $100,890 |
| Mississippi | $99,900 |
| Missouri | $97,070 |
| Nebraska | $103,370 |
| New Hampshire | $125,330 |
| New Mexico | $136,310 |
| New York | $112,400 |
| North Carolina | $113,110 |
| Pennsylvania | $115,760 |
| South Carolina | $101,420 |
| Tennessee | $126,300 |
| Texas | $90,260 |
| Virginia | $87,340 |
| Washington | $100,260 |
| Wisconsin | $120,330 |
What Tools & Technology do Nuclear Engineers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Nuclear Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- UNIX
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Salesforce software
- Graphics software
- SAP software
- Presentation software
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Software development tools
Becoming a Nuclear Engineer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Nuclear Engineer?
What work experience do I need to become a Nuclear Engineer?
Who Employs Nuclear Engineers?
Below are examples of industries where Nuclear Engineers work:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Nuclear Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Siemens Pressebild via CC BY-SA 3.0
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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