Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. They design, develop, monitor, and operate nuclear plants used to generate power. They may work on the nuclear fuel cycle-the production, handling, and use of nuclear fuel and the safe disposal of waste produced by nuclear energy-or on fusion energy. Some specialize in the development of nuclear power sources for spacecraft; others find industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials, such as equipment to diagnose and treat medical problems.
Nuclear engineers held
about 14,000 jobs in 2000. About 58 percent were in utilities, 26 percent
in engineering consulting firms, and 14 percent in the Federal Government.
More than half of all federally employed nuclear engineers were civilian
employees of the Navy, and most of the rest worked for the Department of
Energy. Most nonfederally employed nuclear engineers worked for public
utilities or engineering consulting companies. Some worked for defense
manufacturers or manufacturers of nuclear power equipment.
Good opportunities should exist for nuclear engineers because the small number of nuclear engineering graduates is likely to be in rough balance with the number of job openings. Because this is a small occupation, projected job growth will generate few openings; consequently, most openings will result from the need to replace nuclear engineers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Little or no change in employment of
nuclear engineers is expected through 2010. Due to public concerns over
the cost and safety of nuclear power, no commercial nuclear power plants
are under construction in the United States. Nevertheless, nuclear
engineers will be needed to operate existing plants. In addition, nuclear
engineers will be needed to work in defense-related areas, to develop
nuclear medical technology, and to improve and enforce waste management
and safety standards.
Median annual earnings of nuclear engineers were $79,360 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $67,590 and $89,310. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $58,030, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $105,930. In 2000, the median annual earnings of nuclear engineers in electric services were $77,890. In the Federal Government, nuclear engineers in supervisory, nonsupervisory, and management positions earned an average of $71,700 a year in 2001.
According to a 2001 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in nuclear engineering received starting offers averaging $49,609 a year and master's degree candidates, on average, were offered $56,299.
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