Nuclear Technicians
Machines can already do 24% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 62%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Nuclear Technicians in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 24% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 62% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 6,470 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $110,240 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 69% for contact with people.
- Also called: Auxiliary Operator, Equipment Operator, Licensed Nuclear Operator, Non-Licensed Nuclear Equipment Operator (NLO).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measure the intensity and identify the types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials, using radiation detectors or other instruments | 11% | 30% to 75% | |
| Follow policies and procedures for radiation workers to ensure personnel safety | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety | 8% | 20% to 60% | |
| Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment | 8% | 20% to 60% | |
| Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair | 8% | 30% to 75% | |
| Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly | 8% | 20% to 60% | |
| Warn maintenance workers of radiation hazards and direct workers to vacate hazardous areas | 6% | 30% to 60% | |
| Collect air, water, gas or solid samples for testing to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment | 6% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills nuclear technicians use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists34% of tasks by 2035 · US median $61,770
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators61% of tasks by 2035 · US median $122,890
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $79,870
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians42% of tasks by 2035 · US median $64,120
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Nuclear Technicians?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2033. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of nuclear technicians?
Machines can do 24% of the tasks of nuclear technicians today and 62% 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 19-4051.00 (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 Technicians: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/nuclear-technicians/