Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

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Career Profile

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

What they do

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

Also Called: Health Physics Technician (HP Tech), Nuclear Chemistry Technician, Radiation Control Technician (Radcon Technician), Radiation Protection Specialist (RP Specialist), Radiation Protection Technician (RPT), Radiation Technician, Radiochemical Technician, Health Physics Technician (HP Tech), Nuclear Chemistry Technician, Radiation Control Technician (Radcon Technician), Radiation Protection Specialist (RP Specialist), Radiation Protection Technician (RPT), Radiation Technician, Radiochemical Technician

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$73,150
Starting Salary (2025)
$110,240
Median Salary (2025)
-7.7%
Projected Job Growth
6,470
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Collect samples of air, water, gases, or solids to determine radioactivity levels of contamination.
Determine intensities and types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials, using radiation detectors or other instruments.
Provide initial response to abnormal events or to alarms from radiation monitoring equipment.
Analyze samples, such as air or water samples, for contaminants or other elements.
Inform supervisors when individual exposures or area radiation levels approach maximum permissible limits.

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
Adaptability/Flexibility
Self-Control

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Operations Monitoring
Speaking

Expected Knowledge

Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Common Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Associate's degree 29%
  • High school diploma 27%
  • Post-secondary certificate 17%
  • Bachelor's degree 16%
  • Some college 11%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Nuclear Technicians
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Calibration Technologists and Technicians

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.