Nuclear technicians
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$104,240
~$50/hr · ~$8,687/mo
US Jobs
6K
Decline
AI & Automation Risk
5/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 5/10
Nuclear technicians perform a mix of digital monitoring and physical labor, such as collecting environmental samples and maintaining hardware. While AI can significantly automate the data analysis, radiation calculation, and system monitoring aspects of the role, the requirement for physical presence in hazardous environments and the manual calibration of equipment provide a buffer against full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MDBEST VALUE | $117,630 | Average (102.4) | $114,915 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $103,120 | Below avg (91.2) | $113,016 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $108,690 | Average (97.7) | $111,224 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $108,670 | Above avg (112.6) | $96,471 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $78,780 | Average (102.5) | $76,869 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Associate's degree
10-Year Growth
-8% (Decline)
Hourly Rate
~$50/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,687/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)