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.
In 2020-2021, nuclear and radiological technicians was the 324th most popular major nationwide with 299 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 79 over the prior year, a growth of 26.4%.
Our 2023 Best Nuclear & Radiological Technicians Schools ranking analyzes 2 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for nuclear and radiological technicians students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of nuclear tech programs later in this article.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most nuclear tech degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional nuclear tech certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Nuclear Tech degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in nuclear and radiological technicians to the highest nuclear tech degree, a . Depending on the nuclear and radiological technicians degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to nuclear tech, with approximately 26.3% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for nuclear tech workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 35.3% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 26.5% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 16.9% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 12.9% |
| Some College Courses | 8.6% |
See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in nuclear and radiological technicians have received.
The education level required is different depending on the nuclear tech career you are seeking.
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.
Want a job when you graduate with your nuclear tech degree?
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to nuclear and radiological technicians.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Technicians | 6,900 | 0.0% |
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | 6,300 | -10.0% |
Recently graduated nuclear and radiological technicians students earned an average of $55,910 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $50,246 to as high as $65,871. As you might expect, salaries for nuclear tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for nuclear and radiological technicians graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers nuclear tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | $95,310 |
| Nuclear Technicians | $79,970 |
With over 36 different nuclear tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased nuclear tech school rankings to help you with this.
One of 4 majors within the Science Technologies / Technicians area of study, Nuclear & Radiological Technicians has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Physical Science Technicians | 2,909 |
| Other Science Technologies/Technicians | 2,451 |
| Biology & Biotech Lab Technician | 732 |
| General Science Technologies/Technicians | 60 |
