by our College Data Analytics TeamRecently, there has been an increased demand for renewable energy including nuclear energy. While this energy is beneficial, the radioactivity given off is deadly in high concentrations. By majoring in Nuclear and Radiological Technicians, you will be able to monitor and detect this radiation to ensure conditions are kept safe in and around nuclear plants.
Along with monitoring levels of radiation produced in nuclear reactions by testing soil, water, and air, Nuclear and Radiological Technicians also work in labs to ensure scientists are not overexposed to radiation. This is important because while nuclear energy will allow us to perform daily tasks, radiation is known for its extremely dangerous side effects. Students take classes in nuclear energy, radiation, mathematics, and measurement and safety courses to help maintain the safety of employees and scientists.
Nuclear and Radiological Technicians usually only need to obtain an Associate's degree to begin working in this field, but some colleges do offer this program as a Bachelor's degree. A Bachelor's may lead to jobs with better pay and more responsibility, while those with more work experience may only require an Associate's degree.
A major in Nuclear & Radiological Technicians explores Nuclear And Industrial Radiologic Technologies/technicians. Continue reading for the essential details every nuclear & radiological technicians student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering nuclear & radiological technicians programs.
Across the country, nuclear & radiological technicians is a widely-pursued major, with 338 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Nuclear & Radiological Technicians Schools ranking analyzes these 19 schools to determine the best overall colleges for nuclear & radiological technicians students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of nuclear & radiological technicians programs later in this article.
Programs in Nuclear & Radiological Technicians emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations nuclear & radiological technicians graduates commonly enter.
Since radiation can be dangerous, especially in large amounts, Nuclear and Radiological Technicians professionals must be observant. It is important to ensure all monitors are working properly to keep employees and the general public safe. Math skills are also important when calculating nuclear reaction rates and radiation exposure. Critical thinking skills help professionals evaluate information from the monitoring systems to decide if an area may potentially be unsafe.
Nuclear power plants require 24 hour monitoring, meaning radiological technicians often have to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Those who work in a lab often have more typical work hours.
Nuclear and Radiological Technicians usually only need to obtain an associate's degree to begin working in this field, but some colleges do offer this program as a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree may lead to better pay and more responsibility, while those with more work experience may only require an Associate's degree.
Skills emphasized by a nuclear & radiological technicians program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a nuclear & radiological technicians major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several nuclear & radiological technicians degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 93 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 92 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 6 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 147 |
People currently working in careers related to nuclear & radiological technicians tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 37.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 22.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 16.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 15.6% |
| Some college courses | 9.0% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in nuclear & radiological technicians careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Graduates with a degree in Nuclear and Radiological Technicians often work for nuclear power plants or other companies that are involved with nuclear energy. Radiation is a constant threat anywhere nuclear energy is used, making these technicians valuable assets to companies.
Studying nuclear & radiological technicians opens doors to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to nuclear & radiological technicians.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to nuclear & radiological technicians.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | 214,148 | 14.1% |
| Nuclear Monitoring Technicians | 91,226 | 10.3% |
| Nuclear Technicians | 83,637 | 11.8% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of nuclear & radiological technicians graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $42,486 |
| 4 years | $80,722 |
| 5 years | $98,073 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for nuclear & radiological technicians graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers nuclear & radiological technicians grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Monitoring Technicians | $115,968 |
| Nuclear Technicians | $92,140 |
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | $44,906 |
With 19 different nuclear & radiological technicians programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased nuclear & radiological technicians school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in nuclear & radiological technicians, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Industrial Radiologic Technology/Technician | 213 |
| Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician | 111 |
| Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other | 14 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians | 2,922 |
| Science Technologies/Technicians, Other | 2,518 |
| Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians | 1,212 |
| SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS | 102 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
