Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Using numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer Nuclear engineers need a working knowledge of programming languages and computer systems. Nuclear engineers typically need at least bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering or a related field of engineering.
Education
High school students interested in studying nuclear engineering should take classes in mathematics, such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus; and science, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Entry-level nuclear engineering jobs commonly require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technologies, or a physical science field. Some jobs, such as those in research and development, require a master’s degree or Ph.D. Bachelor’s degree engineering programs often consist of classroom, laboratory, and field studies. Courses include calculus, physics, and nuclear design. Colleges and universities may offer internship or cooperative-education programs with businesses, allowing students to gain work experience while completing their education. Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that lead to both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
Training
At a nuclear power plant, new employees usually must complete onsite training in topics such as safety procedures, practices, and regulations. Length of training varies, depending on the employer and the power plant. In addition, nuclear engineers must undergo training every year to stay current on applicable laws, regulations, and safety procedures.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Licensure is not required for entry-level nuclear engineer positions. Experienced engineers may obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows them to oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure typically requires a bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, several years of relevant work experience, and a passing score on the PE exam. Each state issues its own license. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop. Nuclear engineers may be licensed as a Senior Reactor Operator, a credential granted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Contact the NRC for more information. Other Experience Some nuclear engineers get their training in the military. Experience in a related military occupation may be beneficial for transferring to a civilian position. Advancement Nuclear engineers may advance to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. Some become engineering managers or move into sales work. For more information, see the profiles on architectural and engineering managers and sales engineers.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of nuclear engineers is projected to decline 0 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 800 openings for nuclear engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment The increased focus on renewable energy and the limited construction of new nuclear power plants is expected to limit demand for nuclear engineers. However, these workers will still be needed to oversee and maintain operations of existing nuclear power plants. Nuclear Engineers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Engineers 8% Total, all occupations 3% Nuclear engineers 0% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Nuclear Engineers Do
Nuclear engineers research and develop projects or address problems concerning the release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal. Some of these engineers research new reactor designs. Others may specialize in the development of safety regulations related to the handling of nuclear materials or operation of nuclear power.
Duties
Nuclear engineers typically do the following:
- Design or develop nuclear equipment —such as reactor cores, nuclear batteries, and radiation shielding—and its associated instruments
- Test whether methods of managing nuclear material or reclaiming nuclear fuel are acceptable
- Write instructions to be used in operating nuclear plants or other nuclear equipment or in managing nuclear materials
- Monitor nuclear facility design, construction, and operation practices to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
Nuclear engineers may work in the following areas:
Defense. Nuclear engineers in the military work on nuclear propulsion systems for naval vessels. They may help design or evaluate these systems to ensure compliance with safety standards and system specifications. They also work aboard nuclear-powered vessels to monitor and maintain the nuclear systems. In addition, they may review and evaluate technical information related to nuclear weapons, such as readiness and safe storage.
Medical. Nuclear engineers provide dose and shielding calculations for medical isotope production. They design and conduct irradiation experiments and then analyze and document the results of these experiments.
Research and regulation. Nuclear engineers research new uses and management of nuclear power or material. They examine nuclear accidents and analyze the data to aid in designing preventive measures. Some test whether methods of using and managing nuclear material or reclaiming nuclear fuel are acceptable. They may assist in drafting new regulations and standards based on research and experiments.
Space exploration. Nuclear engineers design nuclear batteries used in spacecraft, satellites, and space rovers. They also may design radiation shielding for spacecraft and calculate and analyze radiation in space.
Utility power generation. Nuclear engineers who work for utilities help design and operate nuclear power plants. They also may direct maintenance activities to ensure that these plants meet safety standards.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Nuclear engineers held about 16,600 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of nuclear engineers were as follows:
| Nuclear electric power generation | 21% |
| Scientific research and development services | 20 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 17 |
| Engineering services | 15 |
Nuclear engineers typically work in office settings. However, where their office is located varies with the industry in which they work. For example, those employed in power generation and supply work in power plants. Those working for the federal government may be in the military or employed by a regulatory agency or a national laboratory. Others may work for professional, scientific, and technical services, which include consulting firms.
Nuclear engineers work with others, including mechanical engineers and electrical engineers, to incorporate other systems into their own designs.
Work Schedules
Most nuclear engineers work full time. Their schedules vary with the industries in which they work.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Nuclear engineers must evaluate technical information for safe use of nuclear energy and materials. Communication skills. Nuclear engineers collaborate with other engineers and technicians. They must be able to convey information clearly, both in writing and in person. Computer skills. Nuclear engineers need a working knowledge of programming languages and computer systems. Detail oriented. Nuclear engineers supervise nuclear facilities and must pay attention to ensure that they operate safely. Logical-thinking skills. In designing complex systems, nuclear engineers must order information clearly and sequentially. Math skills. Nuclear engineers use calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced math in their work. Problem-solving skills. Nuclear engineers must be able to identify and fix problems that arise in designing and maintaining facilities.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about nuclear engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.