Nuclear Power Reactor Operator salary in Alabama
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Alabama earn a median of $119,000 a year ($57.21 an hour), based on BLS data for 360 workers.
Pay ranges from $105,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $160,760 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $122,890. Alabama ranks 3rd of 5 states for nuclear power reactor operators pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.17 nuclear power reactor operators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 5.1× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $126,740, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for nuclear power reactor operators in Alabama
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $105,050 | $50.50 |
| 25th percentile | $115,520 | $55.54 |
| Median | $119,000 | $57.21 |
| 75th percentile | $146,140 | $70.26 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $160,760 | $77.29 |
| Average (mean) | $126,740 | $60.93 |
Half of nuclear power reactor operators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $9,916.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,958.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,576.92 |
| Weekly | $2,288.46 |
| Hourly | $57.21 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for nuclear power reactor operators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $129,580 |
| Illinois | $123,980 |
| Alabama | $119,000 |
| South Carolina | $118,620 |
| Nebraska | $108,650 |
Related jobs in Alabama
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $51,870 | $24.94 |
| Power Plant Operator | $107,080 | $51.48 |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | $91,610 | $44.04 |
| Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | $53,470 | $25.71 |
| Power Distributors and Dispatchers | $114,570 | $55.08 |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $73,510 | $35.34 |
| Plant and System Operators, All Other | $51,690 | $24.85 |
| Gas Plant Operator | $77,120 | $37.08 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $42,700 | $20.53 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $73,060 | $35.13 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $40,010 | $19.24 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $48,490 | $23.31 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | $31,080 | $14.94 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $35,910 | $17.26 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-8011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nuclear power reactor operator make in Alabama?
The median salary for nuclear power reactor operators in Alabama is $119,000 a year, or $57.21 an hour. Pay ranges from $105,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $160,760 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid nuclear power reactor operators make in Alabama?
The top 10% of nuclear power reactor operators in Alabama earn at least $160,760 a year. The top 25% earn $146,140 or more.
What is the starting pay for nuclear power reactor operators in Alabama?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $105,050 a year, and a quarter of nuclear power reactor operators earn $115,520 or less.
How many nuclear power reactor operators work in Alabama?
About 360 nuclear power reactor operators are employed in Alabama, not counting the self-employed.