Nuclear Power Reactor Operator salary in Nebraska
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Nebraska earn a median of $108,650 a year ($52.24 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $90,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,100 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $122,890. Nebraska ranks 5th of 5 states for nuclear power reactor operators pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.05 nuclear power reactor operators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $115,340, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for nuclear power reactor operators in Nebraska
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $90,120 | $43.33 |
| 25th percentile | $108,650 | $52.24 |
| Median | $108,650 | $52.24 |
| 75th percentile | $124,120 | $59.67 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $131,100 | $63.03 |
| Average (mean) | $115,340 | $55.45 |
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 | $9,054.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,527.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,178.85 |
| Weekly | $2,089.42 |
| Hourly | $52.24 |
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 Nebraska
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $61,220 | $29.43 |
| Power Plant Operator | $98,210 | $47.22 |
| Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | $64,930 | $31.22 |
| Gas Plant Operator | $87,790 | $42.21 |
| Power Distributors and Dispatchers | $98,570 | $47.39 |
| Plant and System Operators, All Other | $48,220 | $23.18 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | $47,580 | $22.88 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $45,470 | $21.86 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $72,200 | $34.71 |
| Slaughterers and Meat Packers | $48,910 | $23.52 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $46,220 | $22.22 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $52,220 | $25.10 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $51,270 | $24.65 |
| Printing Press Operator | $42,070 | $20.23 |
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 Nebraska?
The median salary for nuclear power reactor operators in Nebraska is $108,650 a year, or $52.24 an hour. Pay ranges from $90,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,100 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid nuclear power reactor operators make in Nebraska?
The top 10% of nuclear power reactor operators in Nebraska earn at least $131,100 a year. The top 25% earn $124,120 or more.
What is the starting pay for nuclear power reactor operators in Nebraska?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $90,120 a year, and a quarter of nuclear power reactor operators earn $108,650 or less.
How many nuclear power reactor operators work in Nebraska?
About 50 nuclear power reactor operators are employed in Nebraska, not counting the self-employed.