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Nuclear Technicians

Life, Physical, and Social Science (19-4051)

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

At a Glance

Nuclear Technicians earns a median of $104,240/yr with -7.7% projected growth. Typical entry: Associate's degree. Top skills: Attention to Detail, Dependability, Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings.

Median Annual Wage

$104,240/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

-7.7%

Annual Openings

1

Typical Education

Associate's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (13)

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.9
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.8
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.6
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.

3.6
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.6
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

3.5
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.4
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.3
Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

3.3
Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.3
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.3
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.3
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.3

Knowledge (9)

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.

4.2
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

4.1
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.

4.0
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.

3.7
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.

3.6
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.5
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.

3.5
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.4
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.3

Abilities (17)

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 that there is a problem.

4.0
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.9
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).

3.9
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

3.9
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.6
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.6
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.

3.6
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.5
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.5
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.4
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.4
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.4
Visual Color Discrimination

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

3.3
Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

3.3
Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

3.3
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.

3.3
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.3

Technology (8)

Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Windows

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Structured query language SQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Linux

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (16)

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.7
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.6
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.4
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.3
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.3
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.2
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

4.2
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.

4.1
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.9
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.9
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.7
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.7
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

3.5
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

3.3
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.3

Work Styles (4)

Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

5.0
Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

5.0
Integrity

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

4.3
Cautiousness

A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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