Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Machines can already do 30% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 61%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 30% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 61% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 5,150 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $122,890 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 73% for contact with people.
- Also called: Licensed Reactor Operator, Nuclear Control Operator, Nuclear Control Room Operator, Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO).
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 21% | 40% to 80% | |
| Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety | 13% | 3% to 30% | |
| Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests | 10% | 70% to 95% | |
| Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment | 8% | 20% to 60% | |
| Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired | 5% | 40% to 75% | |
| Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action | 5% | 25% to 50% | |
| Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation | 5% | 30% to 54% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills nuclear power reactor operators use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Ship Engineers55% of tasks by 2035 · US median $109,530
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers52% of tasks by 2035 · US median $92,460
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $79,870
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines44% of tasks by 2035 · US median $65,510
What should you do about it?
Open this job in the Workforce Starburst to see it for your country, then use these to act on it.
Watch This Job
Get told when the outlook for this job changes.
Free planSkills to learn next
The skills that make this job, or the next one, last longer.
In the StarburstCheck your readiness
Ten quick questions on how ready you are.
FreeAsk Vantage
Ask what this job means for you and get a sourced answer.
Free to askFutures Academy courses
Courses matched to your gaps.
Coming soonPay trend
Where pay for this job is heading.
Coming soonTeam plan
Every role in your team, side by side, with a plan for each.
Pro and CorporateShared workspace
Work through it with your team, with notes and decisions kept.
Pro and Corporate
Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Nuclear Power Reactor Operators?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of nuclear power reactor operators?
Machines can do 30% of the tasks of nuclear power reactor operators today and 61% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-8011.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Nuclear Power Reactor Operators: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/nuclear-power-reactor-operators/