Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies
What Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies Graduates Do
Your career in nuclear technology places you at the heart of critical energy infrastructure. You could become a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator, stationed in a secure control room where you'll monitor complex panels to manage the reactor's power output and ensure safe operation. Or, as a Nuclear Technician, your work is more mobile. You’ll be in the plant or field, using dosimeters and specialized equipment to monitor radiation levels, collect environmental samples, and maintain safety protocols.
Your career path starts with excellent entry-level pay as you learn under supervision. This is critical, hands-on work that requires your physical presence and expert judgment—a skill set that can't be automated. While the total number of jobs is projected to decline, hundreds of positions open annually as experienced professionals retire, creating steady demand for new talent. After extensive training and licensing, you can become a fully certified operator or technician. With seniority, you could advance to a shift supervisor or a lead technician managing safety programs, with earnings potential climbing well beyond the already high six-figure median.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 1 registered apprenticeship occupation related to Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Radiation Monitor
RAPIDS 1007 |
8000 hrs
~4.0 yrs |
Time | $83K – $104,240 – $114K | -7.7% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies
3 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Louisiana Community College Lafayette, LA |
54 52–56 |
$40,042/yr | 94.1x |
| 2 | Cowley County Community College Arkansas City, KS |
51 46–54 |
$42,232/yr | 76.6x |
| 3 | State Technical College of Missouri Linn, MO |
49 44–52 |
$49,762/yr | 76.9x |
Highest Earning Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies Programs
Schools where Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| State Technical College of Missouri | $49,762/yr | 49 |
| Cowley County Community College | $42,232/yr | 51 |
| South Louisiana Community College | $40,042/yr | 54 |
Best ROI for Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Louisiana Community College | 94.1x | $40,042/yr | 54 |
| State Technical College of Missouri | 76.9x | $49,762/yr | 49 |
| Cowley County Community College | 76.6x | $42,232/yr | 51 |
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