Careers · Nuclear Power Reactor Operators · Illinois
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois
Nuclear power reactor operators control the equipment and systems that run nuclear power plants. They move control rods, start and stop machinery, monitor gauges and readouts, and keep detailed logs of all operations In Illinois the median pay is $123,980 a year, 1% above the national median of $122,890.
$123,980median pay in Illinois, per year
$119,100–$130,500middle half earn
410employed in Illinois
$122,890U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nuclear power reactor operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nuclear power reactor operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Reading ComprehensionOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlActive ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingWriting
Knowledge areas
PhysicsMechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityMathematics (knowledge)Engineering and TechnologyChemistry
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Nuclear Power Reactor Operators.
Licenses and training in Illinois
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators pay in other states
Related occupations
Power Distributors and DispatchersPower Plant OperatorsBiomass Plant TechniciansHydroelectric Plant TechniciansStationary Engineers and Boiler OperatorsWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System OperatorsChemical Plant and System OperatorsGas Plant Operators
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nuclear power reactor operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nuclear power reactor operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-8011.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Illinois, annual.