Nuclear Engineers

Tasks Include:
- Examine accidents to obtain data that can be used to design preventive measures.
- Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or that could jeopardize the safety of operations.
- Keep abreast of developments and changes in the nuclear field by reading technical journals or by independent study and research.
- Perform experiments that will provide information about acceptable methods of nuclear material usage, nuclear fuel reclamation, or waste disposal.
- Design or oversee construction or operation of nuclear reactors or power plants or nuclear fuels reprocessing and reclamation systems.
- Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms.
- Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
more »
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: + 2.6%
National: + 9.3%
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Job Zone:
Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$101,600.00
State
$87,160.00
Regional
Nuclear Engineers
Description
Career Cluster: | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics ![]() |
Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Education
Required Level of Education
- Bachelor's Degree = 50.00%
- Master's Degree = 31.82%
- Post-Doctoral Training = 4.55%
- Doctoral Degree = 4.55%
- First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession = 4.55%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master = 4.55%
Related Work Experience
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 22.73%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 22.73%
- None = 22.73%
- Over 10 years = 9.09%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 9.09%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 9.09%
- Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 4.55%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 38.10%
- Up to and including 1 month = 19.05%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 14.29%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 9.52%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 9.52%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 4.76%
- None = 4.76%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 33.33%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 23.81%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 14.29%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 9.52%
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 9.52%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 4.76%
- None or short demonstration = 4.76%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Examine accidents to obtain data that can be used to design preventive measures.
- Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or that could jeopardize the safety of operations.
- Keep abreast of developments and changes in the nuclear field by reading technical journals or by independent study and research.
- Perform experiments that will provide information about acceptable methods of nuclear material usage, nuclear fuel reclamation, or waste disposal.
- Design or oversee construction or operation of nuclear reactors or power plants or nuclear fuels reprocessing and reclamation systems.
- Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms.
- Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
- Recommend preventive measures to be taken in the handling of nuclear technology, based on data obtained from operations monitoring or from evaluation of test results.
- Write operational instructions to be used in nuclear plant operation or nuclear fuel or waste handling and disposal.
- Conduct tests of nuclear fuel behavior and cycles or performance of nuclear machinery and equipment to optimize performance of existing plants.
- Direct operating or maintenance activities of operational nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards.
- Synthesize analyses of test results, and use the results to prepare technical reports of findings and recommendations.
- Prepare construction project proposals that include cost estimates, and discuss proposals with interested parties such as vendors, contractors, and nuclear facility review boards.
- Analyze available data and consult with other scientists to determine parameters of experimentation and suitability of analytical models.
- Design and direct nuclear research projects to discover facts, to test or modify theoretical models, or to develop new theoretical models or new uses for current models.
Tasks Include:
- Conduct environmental studies related to topics such as nuclear power generation, nuclear waste disposal, or nuclear weapon deployment.
- Design fuel cycle models or processes to reduce the quantity of radioactive waste generated from nuclear activities.
- Develop or contribute to the development of plans to remediate or restore environments affected by nuclear radiation, such as waste disposal sites.
- Direct environmental compliance activities associated with nuclear plant operations or maintenance.
- Prepare environmental impact statements, reports, or presentations for regulatory or other agencies.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Hazardous material protective apparel (Anticontamination clothing)
- Desktop computers
- Facial shields (Face masks)
- Nuclear tools (Nuclear wireline logging instruments)
- Personal computers
- Nuclear reactor control rod systems (Reactivity computer systems)
- Respirators
Technologies Include:
- Analytical or scientific software
- ANISN dose assessment computer code
- BERMUDA nuclear transport computer codes
- Discrete ordinates DORT dose assessment computer codes
- Maplesoft Maple
- Mathematical simulation software
- MCNP dose assessment computer code
- MERCURE dose assessment computer codes
- Monte Carlo software
- MORSE-CG dose assessment computer code
- Probabilistic risk assessment PRA software
- QAD shielding computer code
- Reactor excursion and release analysis program RELAP
- SCALE ORIGEN-S point depletion and decay code
- Scientech Safety Monitor
- Scientech WinNUPRA
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Transient reactor analysis code TRAC
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Mathsoft Mathcad
- Data base user interface and query software
- Data entry software
- Relational database software
- Desktop publishing software
- Desktop publishing software
- Development environment software
- FOLLOW code
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- INCORE code
- TOTE code
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Graphics software
- Object or component oriented development software
- C++
- Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
- Word processing software
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Special Requirements
If your work as an engineer affects public health, safety, or property, you must register with the state. To become licensed as a professional engineer in Virginia, applicants must meet the following requirements:
EIT (Engineer-in-Training) EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must meet one of the following:
• Graduate of approved curriculum of 4 years or more OR Graduate of non-approved curriculum + 2 years of experience
• Must be enrolled in an ABET accredited curriculum and within 12 months of degree.
• Graduated from a non-approved engineering technology curriculum + 6 years of experience
• Graduated with an undergraduate degree from an institution without an approved curriculum and obtained a graduate degree from an institution with an approved curriculum
Step 1:
|
|
Graduation
The first step is graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program at a college or university. |
Step 2:
|
|
FE Exam
The first exam in the licensure process is the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE). This exam is offered in April and October every year. Most students take the exam right before graduation or soon after while the technical information they've studied is still fresh in their minds. |
Step 3:
|
|
Work Experience
Many jurisdictions have specific requirements about the type of experience you need to gain. Most require that you gain experience under the supervision of someone who is already licensed, and that your experience involve increasing levels of responsibility. Once you begin work, contact your licensing board to find out what experience is needed and talk with professional engineers in your company to find out how you can gain this experience. |
Step 4:
|
|
PE Exam
Once you have gained the appropriate experience, you can take the second exam in the licensure process, the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). This exam is given in a variety of engineering disciplines. Most disciplines are offered in both April and October, but some are offered only in October. |
After completing all the steps in the engineering licensure process—education, experience, and examinations—you are eligible for licensure by your licensing board.
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must have a bachelor’s degree from an approved curriculum + 4 years of professional experience as an EIT OR Graduate of non-approved curriculum + 6 years of professional experience as an EIT
• Graduated from a non-approved engineering technology curriculum of four years or more + 10 years experience
• Graduate from an accredited undergraduate engineering degree and a doctorate degree in engineering from an institution with an accredited undergraduate program + 4 years of experience
• Graduated from an engineering , engineering technology or related science curriculum of four years or more + 20 years
EXAM:
• The Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
• Must provide 3 references from licensed professional engineers
LICENSE RENEWAL: The Professional Engineer license must be renewed every two years.
Required Fees:
The examination fee shall consist of the administration expenses of the department resulting from the board’s examination procedures and contract charges.
For More Information, Contact:
Virginia Department Of Professional And Occupational Regulation
Board For Architects / Prof. Engineers / Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, And Landscape Architects
3600 West Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23230-4917
Phone: 804.367.8512
TTY: 804.367.9753
Fax: 804.367.2475
http://www.state.va.us/dpor/indexie.html
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.
Nuclear Engineers
Additional Resources
General information about nuclear engineers is available from:
American Nuclear Society
555 North Kensington Ave.
LaGrange Park, IL 60525
http://www.ans.org
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.
Nuclear Engineers
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
96.50 | Engineering and Technology | Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
88.75 | Physics | Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes. |
84.00 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
75.00 | Chemistry | Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. |
75.00 | Design | Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
70.50 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
69.25 | Public Safety and Security | Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. |
68.25 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
63.75 | Mechanical | Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
63.75 | Administration and Management | Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
52.25 | Education and Training | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
52.25 | Law and Government | Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
78.00 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
75.00 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
75.00 | Operations Analysis | Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design. |
75.00 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
75.00 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
72.00 | Science | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
72.00 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
72.00 | Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
68.75 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
68.75 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
65.50 | Operation Monitoring | Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
65.50 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
65.50 | Systems Evaluation | Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
65.50 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
62.50 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
62.50 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
62.50 | Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
59.50 | Quality Control Analysis | Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. |
56.25 | Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
53.00 | Instructing | Teaching others how to do something. |
50.00 | Troubleshooting | Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. |
50.00 | Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
50.00 | Management of Personnel Resources | Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. |
50.00 | Persuasion | Persuading others to change their minds or behavior. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
87.50 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. |
81.25 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
81.25 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
78.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
75.00 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
75.00 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
72.00 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
68.75 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
68.75 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
65.50 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
65.50 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
65.50 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
59.50 | Mathematical Reasoning | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
59.50 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
59.50 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
56.25 | Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
56.25 | Flexibility of Closure | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
56.25 | Visualization | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
56.25 | Originality | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
56.25 | Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
86.25 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
85.75 | Interacting With Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
85.25 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
84.00 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
83.25 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
81.75 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
80.75 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
76.25 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
73.75 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
71.50 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
70.50 | Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
70.50 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
69.25 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
69.25 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
68.25 | Developing and Building Teams | Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
67.00 | Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates | Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
67.00 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
67.00 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
67.00 | Communicating with Persons Outside Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
64.75 | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information | Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
63.75 | Developing Objectives and Strategies | Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
62.50 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
61.25 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
59.00 | Provide Consultation and Advice to Others | Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
58.00 | Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
54.75 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
54.50 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
54.50 | Monitoring and Controlling Resources | Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
92.00 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
88.75 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
88.75 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
86.25 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
75.00 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
75.00 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
72.75 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. |
72.75 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
71.50 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
69.25 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
69.25 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
69.25 | Self Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
61.25 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
55.75 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
53.50 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
77.83 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
77.83 | Recognition | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
72.17 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
69.50 | Working Conditions | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
66.67 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
100.00 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
99.00 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
93.60 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
89.00 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
86.40 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
86.40 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
84.60 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
80.00 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
79.00 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
79.00 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
79.00 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
78.20 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
78.20 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
74.60 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company? |
73.60 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
72.80 | Exposed to Radiation | How often does this job require exposure to radiation? |
71.80 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
69.00 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
67.20 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
66.40 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
64.60 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
58.00 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
57.20 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
57.20 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
54.60 | Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)? |
52.80 | Degree of Automation | How automated is the job? |
51.80 | Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection? |
51.00 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
50.00 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
-
Overall Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
-
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
-
Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, database administrators, teachers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
-
Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $66,970.00 | $101,600.00 | $121,240.00 |
Virginia | $56,800.00 | $87,160.00 | $103,650.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $87,915.00 | $108,212.00 | $115,852.00 |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | $59,052.00 | $86,231.00 | $98,318.00 |
Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Hampton Roads | No Data | No Data | No Data |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | $105,162.00 | $141,432.00 | $154,182.00 |
Piedmont Workforce | $85,704.00 | $97,404.00 | $106,146.00 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.
Nuclear Engineers
Employment Projections
National | 2012 | 2022 | % Change |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 20,400 | 22,300 | + 9.3% |
State | 2012 | 2022 | % Change |
Virginia | 2,372 | 2,434 | + 2.6% |
Region | 2010 | 2020 | % Change |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Hampton Roads | No Data | No Data | No Data |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.
Nuclear Engineers
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Aerospace Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Industrial Safety and Health Engineers
- Marine Architects
- Mechanical Engineers
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
- Petroleum Engineers
- Electrical Engineering Technicians
- Physicists
Careers in Engineering and Technology Pathway:
- Quality Control Systems Managers
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Logistics Engineers
- Aerospace Engineers
- Agricultural Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Transportation Engineers
- Computer Hardware Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
- Product Safety Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
- Marine Engineers
- Marine Architects
- Materials Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Fuel Cell Engineers
- Automotive Engineers
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
- Nuclear Engineers
- Petroleum Engineers
- Engineers, All Other
- Biochemical Engineers
- Validation Engineers
- Energy Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Microsystems Engineers
- Photonics Engineers
- Robotics Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Wind Energy Engineers
- Solar Energy Systems Engineers
- Architectural and Civil Drafters
- Architectural Drafters
- Civil Drafters
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters
- Electronic Drafters
- Electrical Drafters
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
- Electronics Engineering Technicians
- Electrical Engineering Technicians
- Electro-Mechanical Technicians
- Automotive Engineering Technicians
- Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
- Electrical Engineering Technologists
- Electromechanical Engineering Technologists
- Electronics Engineering Technologists
- Industrial Engineering Technologists
- Manufacturing Engineering Technologists
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists
- Fuel Cell Technicians
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technicians
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Surveying Technicians
- Mapping Technicians
- Technical Writers
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
View Videos
The following videos are available for this occupation:
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (4.20 Mb)
Macromedia Flash is required for viewing the videos. If you do not have the Flash plugin, it is freely available for download.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.
Nuclear Engineers
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Engineering and Maintenance Officers, Other
- Executives, N.E.C.
- Radio/Radar, General
- Ship Machinery
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center.
Nuclear Engineers
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Titles
- Atomic Process Engineer
- Criticality Safety Engineer
- Engineer
- Generation Engineer
- Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer
- Nuclear Design Engineer
- Nuclear Engineer
- Nuclear Equipment Design Engineer
- Nuclear Equipment Research Engineer
- Nuclear Equipment Test Engineer
- Nuclear Fuels Reclamation Engineer
- Nuclear Fuels Research Engineer
- Nuclear Licensing Engineer
- Nuclear Plant Technical Advisor
- Nuclear Power Plant Engineer
- Nuclear Process Engineer
- Nuclear Radiation Engineer
- Nuclear Reactor Engineer
- Nuclear Reactor Inspector
- Nuclear Standards Director
- Nuclear Steam Supply System Engineer (NSSS Engineer)
- Nuclear Test Reactor Program Coordinator
- Nuclear Waste Management Engineer
- Radiation Engineer
- Radiation Officer
- Radiation Protection Engineer
- Radioactive Materials Waste Management Engineer
- Radiological Defense Officer
- Radiological Engineer
- Reactor Engineer
- Reactor Projects Engineer
- Resident Inspector
- Responsible System Engineer
- Risk and Reliability Engineer
- Scientist
- System Engineer
- Weapons Designer
- Weapons Engineer
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Nuclear Engineers
Related Schools
- Air Force Institute of Technology-Graduate School of Engineering & Management
- Arizona State University-Tempe
- Colorado School of Mines
- Columbia University in the City of New York
- Cornell University
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
- Idaho State University
- Kansas State University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Oregon State University
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- Purdue University-Main Campus
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- South Carolina State University
- Texas A & M University-College Station
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- United States Military Academy
- University of California-Berkeley
- University of Florida
- University of Idaho
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Maryland-College Park
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- University of Missouri-Columbia
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
- University of South Carolina-Columbia
- University of Utah
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Washington State University
- Wilberforce University
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.