Industry Outlook:
Nuclear Engineering Technology
Nuclear engineering technology involves using physics and math to study and understand nuclear and radiation processes. This field encompasses design and maintenance of nuclear reactors, development of radiation safety protocols, management of nuclear materials, and more.
Professionals in this area often work as or alongside nuclear engineers, as well as with scientists and other technical staff, to develop and implement technologies that enhance the efficiency and safety of nuclear operations. In addition to working in power plants, they may also be employed in research laboratories, government agencies, or industries that use radiation for medical, industrial, or environmental applications. Their expertise is essential for the safe handling of radioactive materials, radiation protection, and the development of innovative solutions for energy production and waste management.
As countries strive to meet carbon reduction goals, nuclear energy is often considered a key component in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Future of the Industry
Annual Wage of Nuclear Engineers
As of 2023, nuclear engineers made a median annual wage of $125,460.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the top 10% of nuclear engineers earned more than $174,020, while the bottom 10% brought in less than $82,150. Engineers in scientific research and development services made the highest median salary at $131,060.
Largest Employers of Nuclear Engineers
31%
Nuclear electric power generation
21%
Federal government, excluding postal service
17%
Scientific research and development services
10%
Engineering services
3%
Manufacturing
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, nuclear engineers held about 13,400 jobs. The largest employer of nuclear engineers is nuclear electric power generation.
A Field Becoming More Diverse
According to Zippia, from 2010 to 2021, the percentage of nuclear engineers who were white changed from 73.3% to 63.4%. During that time, other groups increased their representation in the field; nuclear engineers who identify as Asian increased by 4.4 percentage points, and the share of Hispanic/Latino engineers rose by 2.4 percentage points.
Enter This Industry
Most Common Degree for Nuclear Engineers
Bachelor's
Master's
Associate
The most popular degree for nuclear engineers is a bachelor’s degree.
According to Zippia, 79% of nuclear engineers held at least a bachelor’s degree. A master’s is the second most common degree level among nuclear engineers, at 13%, followed by an associate degree, at 4%.
Earn Your Degree with Excelsior
Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, Excelsior University’s fully online Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology program prepares students for technical positions in the nuclear industry. Our program provides knowledge in areas such as reactor operations, health physics, quality assurance, chemistry, and instrumentation and control related to nuclear engineering technology. And because Excelsior may apply experience and certifications toward course credit, the program is especially suited for many service members transitioning from military to civilian work. What’s more, the ABET accreditation makes program graduates eligible to enter a senior reactor operator license training program at a utility.
Students can choose between two concentrations in high-demand areas of employment—Nuclear Cybersecurity or Nuclear Leadership—or opt to design their own study plan that more closely aligns with their career goals.
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Take the Next Steps
If you’re interested in learning more about Excelsior University’s online bachelor’s program in nuclear engineering technology, contact one of our friendly admissions counselors to request more information. No matter where you are on your education journey, we’re here to help you get to the finish line.
