Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Salary in South Carolina (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Carolina Median
$118,620
per year
Hourly Rate
$57.03
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-3% vs US median
US median $122,890
State Rank
#4 of 5
320 employed here

How much does a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator make in South Carolina?

A Nuclear Power Reactor Operator working in South Carolina earns a median salary of $118,620 per year, or about $57.03 per hour. That is 3% below the national median of $122,890 for this occupation.

Within South Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $85,820 while the top 10% make $126,790 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $107,190 and $119,540 a year.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator salary range in South Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$85,820$41.26
25th percentile (early career)$107,190$51.53
50th percentile (median)$118,620$57.03
75th percentile (experienced)$119,540$57.47
90th percentile (top earners)$126,790$60.96

How South Carolina compares

South Carolina ranks 4th 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 South Carolina

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 South Carolina pay ($118,620) 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 South Carolina?
The median Nuclear Power Reactor Operator salary in South Carolina is $118,620 per year, or about $57.03 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $85,820 at the entry level to $126,790 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Carolina pay compare to the national average?
South Carolina pays Nuclear Power Reactor Operators about 3% less than the national median of $122,890. South Carolina ranks 4th out of 5 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Carolina a good state for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $118,620 a year. About 320 Nuclear Power Reactor Operators are employed in South Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in South Carolina include General Internal Medicine Physician ($359,500), Neurologist ($352,680), Emergency Medicine Physician ($341,960), 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.