How long does it take to become a nuclear technician?

Typically about two years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do nuclear technicians make?

The US median is $110,240 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a nuclear technician?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a nuclear technician?

29 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a nuclear technician

Science · SOC 19-4051

$110,240US median pay, 2025

+1.1%Projected growth, 2025–35

900Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Associate's degree
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Work as a nuclear technician

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician	CIP 15.1401	10
Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician	CIP 41.0205	8
Industrial Radiologic Technology/Technician	CIP 41.0204	7
Radiation Protection/Health Physics Technician	CIP 51.0916	4
Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other	CIP 41.0299	2

See the 29 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a nuclear technician?: Typically about two years for the degree, then a few months to a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do nuclear technicians make?: The US median is $110,240 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a nuclear technician?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a nuclear technician?: 29 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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