Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.
AI Impact Summary
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 42/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 84% of all analyzed occupations. Of 20 analyzed tasks, 8 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Limited protective factors mean this occupation has few buffers against AI automation.
This is a general assessment. to get a score adjusted for your experience, skills, and work environment.
How AI Impacts Each Task
20 tasks analyzed
Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety. | 47Estimated | 68.0% | 10% | |
| Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures. | 47Estimated | 68.0% | 10% | |
| Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired. | 62Estimated | 74.0% | 5% | |
| Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures. | 5Estimated | 17.0% | 3% | |
| Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action. | 35Estimated | 41.0% | 10% |
Skill Impact Analysis
6
AI-Vulnerable
11
AI-Resistant
AI-Vulnerable
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
AI-Resistant
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
PAIDSee how Nuclear Power Reactor Operators's risk score has changed over 2 scoring runs.
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Education & Training
PAIDEducation levels, experience requirements, and training data for this occupation.
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Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis