The nuclear energy industry is a powerful engine for job creation. The U.S. nuclear energy sector directly employs more than 70,000 people in high-quality, long-term jobs. This number climbs to 250,000 when you include secondary jobs. With most utilities planning to operate reactors at least out to 80 years, current plants will remain economic and employment engines.
Quick Facts on Nuclear Industry Jobs
- Each nuclear power plant employs 500 to 800 workers.
- Nuclear power plants can operate to 80 years or more, so a nuclear power plant can provide jobs for multiple generations of workers.
- Building a large nuclear reactor employs up to 4,500 workers at peak construction.
- According to the Wages, Benefits, and Change report, in 2021, the median hourly wage for jobs in the nuclear generation industry was 52% higher than the median hourly wage for all jobs in the electric power generation industry, across generation types; and was more than twice (116% higher) the national median hourly wage across all industries.”
- The U.S. nuclear industry spends roughly $11B annually on labor, which is approximately $100M per reactor per year.
- For every 100 nuclear power plant jobs, 250 additional jobs are created in the U.S.
- About 19% of nuclear workers are veterans.
Not Just Nuclear Engineering Jobs
The nuclear energy industry creates lasting, high-paying jobs for people from a wide range of fields and educational backgrounds. Recruiting from universities, community colleges, the military and the trades, nuclear power plants provide high-quality jobs to the whole community.
| Skilled Trades | Professions | Engineering, Technicians & Radiologists |
|---|---|---|
| Carpenters | Accountants | Chemists |
| Electricians | Cybersecurity specialists | Chemical engineers |
| Operators of heavy equipment | Communicators | Radiation protection specialists |
| Masons | Health physicists | Reactor operators |
| Pipefitters | Lawyers | Scientists |
| Sheet metal workers | Subject matter experts | Nuclear engineers |
| Welders | Policy analysts | Safety and environmental impact specialists |
| Mechanics | Entrepreneurs | Civil engineers |
| Project Managers | Financial managers | Mechanical engineers |
Strong Growth Projections for Nuclear Industry Jobs
The global demand for nuclear energy is rising rapidly and a new, next generation of reactors is on the horizon. Domestic job demand will skyrocket if the U.S. can maintain its nuclear technology leadership in the global marketplace. In addition to large reactors, small modular reactors are being designed for more offsite centralized manufacturing with use of modules, which will change how and where work will be performed. However, overall workforce is envisioned to be approximately consistent per megawatt deployed, meaning while the details of where work will be performed may vary, the demand for workforce will remain regardless of the technologies deployed.
For more resources on getting involved in the nuclear workforce, check out Nuclear Works!
