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The average value of the Bachelor degree needed to become a Nuclear engineers is $2,269,419.00.
Points of Interest
Nuclear engineers design and and create equipment and methods of operation for nuclear power plants. They also help design methods to handle the disposal of nuclear waste.Conducts research on nuclear engineering problems or new applications for nuclear power.
Most entry level positions require a bachelor's degree, with more advanced positions requiring a master's or doctorate's degree.
Positions at nuclear power plants or research labs are the most commonly found locations for nuclear engineers.
Nature of the Work
Nuclear Operations
Nuclear engineers work primarily in research and development of operations for nuclear power plants. This may include developing new methods of handling nuclear energy and waste. Engineers may operate machinery than handles nuclear waste or other radioactive materials. The maintenance of systems designed to handle nuclear fission, reactors or plants is also included with the work of a nuclear engineer.Nuclear power plants are not the only source of operations for nuclear engineers. Work on nuclear weapons is also a branch of nuclear engineering. This work may include development of nuclear weapons, testing of the stability of the material as well as safe handling procedures. Engineers often will produce designs that can be used to create new forms of weapons, whether for defensive or offensive measures. Often employed by military or government, nuclear engineers that work on nuclear weapons will undergo rigorous security clearances and continuous training in order to keep current on technology.
Finding safe ways to test radioactive materials such as nuclear weapons is another important aspect of a nuclear engineer's work. These materials are extremely dangerous so finding methods in which they can be safely controlled and used is a vital function of their position. The development of robotic assistance or machinery also helps engineers and other specialists better test materials.
This field rapidly changes as technological advances, allowing engineers to create more efficient ways to handle and dispose of radioactive materials. These new developments lead to the establishing of new nuclear power reactors and new ways to harness nuclear energy. As the United States gets up to 20% of its total power needs met by nuclear power plants this field is constantly growing in order to meet increasing energy needs.
Medicinal Uses
Nuclear engineers create new methods that use radioactive materials in order to advance the medical industry. These methods are then used to form treatments for patients such as chemotherapy or diagnostic measures. Nuclear engineers are not often responsible for administering these treatments but in some cases may work with testing of new treatment methods or train technicians in the use of the equipment.Different methods of radioactive treatments exist within the field of nuclear science. Treatments for cancers, X-Rays and diagnostic machinery are all used to help patients in the medical field. Medical physics is an important field within nuclear science with nuclear engineers leading the rapid developments within the field. These treatments that are developed are then used in hospitals for patient care as well as private firms to help treat those who need radiology care.
Another important use of the research performed by nuclear engineers is that used for decontamination purposes. Engineers may help to design new methods to contain and remove radioactive waste or material from a site or person with the least amount of exposure to those around the area. This is used for demolition sites, radioactive accidents or spills to minimize the amount of toxic material released. Nuclear engineers also may help plan for situations such as nuclear accidents or other disasters that include radioactive material. These plans are often used and practiced by military or governmental facilities in the event that such an accident would occur.
Research
There are two primary sources for research involving nuclear engineers, military and industry. Military applications for nuclear research may include government facilities or military establishments. This research is often for the development of nuclear arms or ways to use radioactive materials to create power or other defensive and offensive weapons. Military applications of nuclear technology may also include developing smaller forms of weaponry or energy that is then used to power submarines or other machinery.Industry uses for the research done by nuclear engineers includes agriculture and medicine. Agricultural uses for this research include fertilizer research as well as production enhancements for livestock. Other uses include water purification advancements. Low level irradiation is also used on crops and fields to treat it for pests and other contaminants.
Some nuclear engineers may go on to educate or train others in their field. Common positions for this include top level inspectors or educators in colleges and universities. Some engineers may also consult on projects or work as teams that carry out safety inspections whether in their local area or overseas.
Theoretical work is also another function for nuclear engineers. This research may be performed in laboratories or other facilities. Research in this field requires strong mathematics skills as well as the ability to form abstract ideas while solving problems.
Skills
Strong mechanical and logic abilities are necessary skills for any nuclear engineer. Computer skills and strong math abilities are also highly recommended for nuclear engineers in order to design new equipment and conceptual machinery. The operation of complex machinery is also a regular function for nuclear engineers that find employment through nuclear reactor facilities or in some research labs.Risks
Risks associated with work as a nuclear engineer depends on whether work is done with the radioactive materials or just research on the after effects. Those who work with teams to handle clean up or other decontamination are at risk of exposure from radioactive chemicals. Long term effects from exposure may include serious health risks. Nuclear engineers must take precautions to avoid exposure and create a safe work environment.Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Training
Training for nuclear engineers is accomplished through both on the job training and education. On the job training often includes learning how to use new equipment or implement new ideas relevant to the location. This training often must be kept up to date in order to stay current on safety and operation knowledge. Training may also include advancing other skills related to the job such as medical training, agriculture knowledge or theoretical work. Clinical and lab study may also be part of the training.Certification
As with other fields in research science, certification may not be required as part of employment but is often considered an industry standard. Certification may be sought through several sources in order to prove knowledge of skills and equipment necessary for job performance. In some cases, nuclear engineers may be required to pass security clearances before working on sensitive material. This material is often considered a matter of state as it can involve work with nuclear arms or other technology. Security clearances verify background and other checks for the persons involved in the position.While some certification may not be required, all states within the United States require licensing before beginning nuclear engineering operations. Often a bachelor's degree and/or four years of experience is required for this licensing but this depends upon state laws. Each state has its own licensing for nuclear engineers.
Education
Entry level nuclear engineers are often only required to posses a bachelor's degree in their respective field before a position will be offered. This degree must have adequate focus on the specialty such as agricultural science, mathematics, computers or physics. Courses that build strong skills are also considered appropriate for a degree that will be used for nuclear engineering.Some degree programs may be pre-structured to include a variety of courses. These courses may include study in applied plasma physics, nuclear science and technology or fission reactor technology. It is not uncommon for a nuclear engineer to earn at least one doctorate in their field if they do research work.
Advancement
Many promotions and higher level positions in nuclear engineering require at least a master's degree, with others requiring a doctorate. These higher level degrees often have a more specialized focus such as physics, agriculture or engineering and design. Positions that include research work often will require at least a master's degree, with many earning a doctorate on top of relevant job experience and additional study.Nuclear engineers may also advance to other locations such as federal facilities or within the military. Advancement often depends upon the type of job performed such as research or development. Some engineers may go on to lead research projects or teach others.
Employment
Employment for nuclear engineers is most often found through nuclear power plants and reactors. These locations employ engineers to maintain and operate equipment and systems used to produce nuclear energy. As these positions may be considered an issue of national security, security clearances or other certifications may be required of employees.Hospitals may also employ nuclear engineers to oversee use of their radiology equipment. Most work for nuclear engineers in the medicine field is accomplished through research labs as this allows them to develop new techniques and uses for nuclear materials in medicine. Advancements in the treatments of cancers and tools used to diagnose patients are created by this research. Some nuclear engineers may specialize in one form of medicine using radioactive materials in order to advance treatment options.
Research labs are another source of employment for nuclear engineers. Research work may include theoretical applications or ideas, practical applications for agriculture, energy production or medicine. Many advancements are made through research labs by nuclear engineers. New machinery that can safely handle radioactive materials are also designed through this form of research.
Job Outlook
With an expected increase in employment of over 11%, the field of nuclear engineering is a fast growing industry. Much of this growth is anticipated to be in the research and development field as new technologies are always in demand. The medicine industry is also a source of this growth as the increase in technology allows for advances in nuclear medicine as well.Positions in this field often require lengthy education and training but offer high stability for those who meet the requirements. The steep education requirements prevent a large influx of nuclear engineers at any given point, making well trained engineers desirable for companies. Continuous education is vital for nuclear engineers in order to keep up with advances made in their field.
Projections
As this job market is projected to quickly grow due to the demand for nuclear technology, nuclear engineers must stay current on techniques and technology within their field. Work with defense technology, power production and medicine advancements are all steady and constantly demanding fields for engineers.Earnings
Earnings for nuclear engineers often are determined by the position held. Private firms and some research labs may pay far higher annual salaries than those who hold positions at nuclear reactors or military development. Earnings for entry level positions often start at $66,000 annually while those at the top of their field earn up to or over $100,000 annually. Other factors in earnings include research grants, bonuses or other contracted work. Research firms often have higher salaries but require greater education than some positions may.Within most fields of nuclear engineering, an annual salary of $90,000 is considered the average. This amount may also include bonuses or any additional income earned by the engineer. In some cases engineers may also earn additional wages above this amount by completing other jobs such as research or study for documentaries, books or other media sources.
Wages
The average hourly wage for nuclear engineers is between $32 and $67. While most engineers are paid on a salary basis, some entry level positions may find an hourly rate instead. Low end positions may find wages on the scale of $32-$50 while those at the higher ends of the field often find wages of an average of $67 and above per hour. Included in annual wages are often benefits packages, retirement plans as well as holiday time and paid vacations.Related Occupations
In some cases, related occupations may become a stepping stone to becoming a nuclear engineer. One of the top examples of this is a nuclear technician. These technicians often spend years gaining education and experience using the equipment designed by nuclear engineers and often go on to advanced positions creating this equipment or procedures.Sources of Additional Information
Nuclear power reactors and plants are one of the top sources for additional information in the field of nuclear engineering. Often applications can be found in addition to recommendations for colleges and universities. Local and federal branches of government may also be good sources for information as these are often the top hiring firms for nuclear engineers. Those interested in military applications of nuclear engineering may seek their nearest branch of military or office in order to learn more.The two primary sources for other information for nuclear science are:
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Related Jobs
People with the educational background, skills, and desire to become a Nuclear engineers might be well suited to work in one of the following fields as well:
- Engineering managers
- Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
- Materials engineers
