Top 1 cities for nuclear power reactor operators by average salary
| Charlotte, NC | $115,510 |
|---|
Map: Nuclear Power Reactor Operators salary by metro area
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Nuclear Power Reactor Operators salary by state
New York pays nuclear power reactor operators the most statewide, $128,370 a year on average. Statewide columns cover every employer in the state; city columns cover the metro areas we publish.
| State | Statewide average | Statewide median | Jobs | Metros | Highest city average | Lowest city average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $128,370 | $129,580 | 230 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Alabama | $126,740 | $119,000 | 360 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Illinois | $124,850 | $123,980 | 410 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| North Carolina | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 | $115,510 | $115,510 |
| Nebraska | $115,340 | $108,650 | 50 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| South Carolina | $114,610 | $118,620 | 320 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators salary in every city we cover
Sort by any column. Each city links to its pay range, take-home pay and cost of living.
| Metro area | Average | Median | Hourly | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | $115,510 | $112,860 | $55.54 | n/a |
Related jobs
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- Stationary Engineers and Boiler OperatorsU.S. average $83,960
- Chemical Plant and System OperatorsU.S. average $79,970
- Plant and System Operators, All OtherU.S. average $65,700
- Power Distributors and DispatchersU.S. average $111,320
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and GaugersU.S. average $90,630
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Nuclear Power Reactor Operators salary: questions
Where do nuclear power reactor operators make the most money?
In Charlotte, NC, with an average of $115,510 a year, among the 1 metro areas we cover.
What is the average nuclear power reactor operators salary in the U.S.?
$121,380 a year nationwide (BLS OEWS national estimates, May 2025); the median is $122,890, so half of nuclear power reactor operators earn more than that and half less.
What salary should nuclear power reactor operators ask for?
Start from the figures for your city: the middle half of nuclear power reactor operators nationwide earn between $109,440 (25th percentile) and $130,490 (75th percentile). Newer workers usually start near the 25th percentile and experienced ones can ask for the 75th; each city page shows the local range. See how to read salary percentiles.
Which state pays nuclear power reactor operators the most?
New York, with a statewide average of $128,370 a year (BLS state estimates, May 2025).
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 51-8011.
- U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.