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Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$123,980
Median Annual Salary
$124,850
Mean Salary
$123,980
Median Salary
$59.61
Hourly Rate
410 people work as Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $104,760$104,76025th25% earn less than $119,100$119,100MedianHalf earn more than $123,980$123,98075th75% earn less than $130,500$130,50090thTop 10% earn more than $133,950$133,950

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois earn a median salary of $123,980 per year ($10,331/month). This is 3.3% above the national average of $119,966. Illinois ranks #2 out of 5 states for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators pay. Approximately 410 people work in this occupation across Illinois.

About This Job: Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

Operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Operations Monitoring
4.0
Operation and Control
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Physics
4.08
Mechanical
3.88
Public Safety and Security
3.66
Mathematics
3.58
Engineering and Technology
3.54
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (50.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois

Salaries for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois range from $104,760 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $133,950 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $119,100 and $130,500.

Median $123,980
P10: $104,760 P25: $119,100 P75: $130,500 P90: $133,950
10th
$104,760
25th
$119,100
Median
$123,980
75th
$130,500
90th
$133,950
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $104,760 $50.37 $8,730
25th Percentile $119,100 $57.26 $9,925
Median (50th) $123,980 $59.61 $10,331
75th Percentile $130,500 $62.74 $10,875
90th Percentile (Experienced) $133,950 $64.40 $11,162

Note: The mean (average) salary of $124,850 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#2
Illinois ranks #2 of 5 states
$119,966
National avg. for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
+3.3%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Nuclear Power Reactor Operators salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Nuclear Power Reactor Operators take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Data in Illinois

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Salary by State

Compare Nuclear Power Reactor Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois is $123,980 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $124,850.
What is the salary range for a Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois?
Salaries for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois range from $104,760 at the 10th percentile to $133,950 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $119,100 and $130,500.
What is the starting salary for a Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois?
Entry-level Nuclear Power Reactor Operators positions in Illinois typically start around $104,760 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $119,100 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 410 people are employed as Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Nuclear Power Reactor Operators in Illinois is approximately $59.61 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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