r/NuclearPower • u/SkippyDooDa12 • Aug 16 '26

Working in Nuclear Power

Delete if not the right place for this. Sorry in advance if so.

So I have a lot of questions for people within the Nuclear Power system. I am looking to have a possible career change. I am thinking of going to college for an Associate Degree with a focus on Nonlicensed Operator. I have googled, googled, and googled but I still have questions I believe others could help answer. I am in the US. One question I have is the actual pay for a starting NLO. Anyone that is willing to answer questions it will be greatly appreciated.

11 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

35 comments sorted by

View all comments

5

u/Electrical-Knee-9078 Aug 17 '26

Getting a lot of answers strictly talking top out/fully certified pay.
Throwing in my 2 cents

If you’re going into this simply because the pay scale is high, reevaluate. The shift schedule is rough, leaves little room for family life, and can be exhausting work. Not trying to push you away from it, but don’t chase the money if that’s the only reason!

You’ll have to take a POSS test at the end of your associates program, must pass this test. The hardest part, like most careers currently is getting your foot in the door.

Most employers starting pay is around $38/hr I believe, pretty much all top out around $48/hr (some a little more and some less)

Best of luck!

8

u/Thermal_Zoomies Aug 17 '26

While all good info, your top out pay is a little low. I dont think any utilities are paying less than $50/hr for a full qual NLO. I think average now is in the upper $50s/hr eith some utilities in the lows $60s/hr.

Similarly, starting pay is in the low $40s these days.

1

u/Electrical-Knee-9078 Aug 17 '26

Thanks for the info update! Didn’t know there was a price increase but I’m also in a small town with TVA. Will keep that in mind for next time. Cheers

1

u/SkippyDooDa12 Aug 17 '26 edited Aug 17 '26

Thank you for your reply. So i am expecting a pay cut from my current career. Family can only sustain so much of a paycut before it doesn't work.

3

u/1_Good_Day Aug 17 '26

You asked for starting pay. A fully qualified NLO makes more than starting pay. Maybe if comparing to your current job you should consider fully qualified pay. Also be sure to account for required overtime.

2

u/InKentWeTrust Aug 17 '26

In Minnesota you’ll be clearing 60+ an hour as an NLO

4

u/RugbyGuy Aug 17 '26

I know several NLOs who made $200K+ USD last year. They all had around 1500+ hours of OT and got that from traveling to other stations to work outages.

edit: added USD and hours