A reactor operator (or nuclear reactor operator) is an individual at a nuclear power plant who is responsible for directly controlling a nuclear reactor from a control panel and is the only individual at a nuclear power plant who can directly alter significant amounts of reactor reactivity. The reactor operator occupies a position of great responsibility that may require him or her to start up a nuclear reactor, shut down a nuclear reactor, monitor reactor parameters, or respond to a casualty of the nuclear reactor.
All reactor operators are required to be licensed or qualified by their respective governing body (for example, the NRC for U.S. civilian nuclear reactors and Naval Reactors for U.S. naval reactors).
Civilian reactor operators are individuals with enormous responsibilities to protect the integrity, health, and safety of their coworkers, the public at large, and the equipment they oversee. The job can be extremely stressful and requires individuals to maintain high awareness of the controls. The high mental standard required for the job is often compared to that of naval aviators.
The median annual salary for a licensed reactor operator is $140,000 - $200,000 per year plus bonuses and other monetary benefits. The job outlook for the near future[when?] predicts a 10% growth with many people retiring.