Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Salary in New York (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in New York, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New York Median
$129,580
per year
Hourly Rate
$62.30
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+5% vs US median
US median $122,890
State Rank
#1 of 5
230 employed here

How much does a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator make in New York?

A Nuclear Power Reactor Operator working in New York earns a median salary of $129,580 per year, or about $62.30 per hour. That is 5% above the national median of $122,890 for this occupation.

Within New York, entry-level pay starts around $102,070 while the top 10% make $158,080 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $121,310 and $142,560 a year.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator salary range in New York

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$102,070$49.07
25th percentile (early career)$121,310$58.32
50th percentile (median)$129,580$62.30
75th percentile (experienced)$142,560$68.54
90th percentile (top earners)$158,080$76.00

How New York compares

New York ranks 1st out of 5 states and territories for Nuclear Power Reactor Operator pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1New York$129,580
2Illinois$123,980
3Alabama$119,000
4South Carolina$118,620
5Nebraska$108,650

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator salary in other states

Working as a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator in New York

Nationally, about 5,000 people work as Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare New York pay ($129,580) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator make in New York?
The median Nuclear Power Reactor Operator salary in New York is $129,580 per year, or about $62.30 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $102,070 at the entry level to $158,080 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New York pay compare to the national average?
New York pays Nuclear Power Reactor Operators about 5% more than the national median of $122,890. New York ranks 1st out of 5 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New York a good state for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators?
Yes on pay — New York pays above the national median for this occupation, at $129,580 a year. About 230 Nuclear Power Reactor Operators are employed in New York. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New York?
The highest-paying occupations in New York include Cardiologist ($492,040), Anesthesiologist ($445,660), Radiologist ($441,580), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Nuclear Power Reactor Operator salary report

Related salaries

Power Plant Operator

$102,040
median pay · 29,000 employed

Chemical Plant and System Operators

$78,120
median pay · 17,000 employed

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

$78,620
median pay · 28,000 employed

Power Distributors and Dispatchers

$106,730
median pay · 9,000 employed

Gas Plant Operator

$87,820
median pay · 18,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.