Best colleges for Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician
Ranked by graduate earnings
Compare 12 U.S. colleges offering Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 10 states.
Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $101,386 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 15.14 and the Nuclear Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician programs
The Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician program prepares students for careers in the field of nuclear engineering, focusing on the safe and efficient operation of nuclear facilities. This program is ideal for individuals interested in applying scientific principles and engineering techniques to ensure the safety and functionality of nuclear systems.
Learn more about Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician →
Students in this program gain essential skills in monitoring, critical thinking, and safety procedures. Coursework covers important topics such as public safety, mechanical systems, physics, and chemistry, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to effectively manage nuclear equipment and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Excelsior University Albany, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online | $101,386 | 109 | — | — | $8,729 |
| 2 | Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR Public · Associate degree Small program | $74,249 | 12 | 49% | — | — |
Specializations within Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 15.14 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 10 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 3 | $101,386 | Excelsior University |
| Arkansaslimited | 1 | $74,249 | Arkansas Tech University |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Minnesotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4051, Nuclear Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician program can expect a career outlook with an annual opening of approximately 700 positions. However, the field is projected to experience a decline of 7.7%. The typical education required is an Associate's degree, with a median wage of $104,240.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 15.14.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 15.14 (Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician) maps to 2 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 17-3029 | Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other |
| 19-4051 | Nuclear Techniciansprimary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
- Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.
- Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.
- Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.
- Apply safety tags to equipment needing maintenance.
- Follow policies and procedures for radiation workers to ensure personnel safety.
Common questions
What is the main focus of the Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician program?+
The program focuses on the safe and efficient operation of nuclear facilities.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in monitoring, critical thinking, and safety procedures.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook indicates a decline of 7.7%, with about 700 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required?+
An Associate's degree is typically required for careers in this field.
How much do Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $101,386, College Scorecard (2019); the Nuclear Technicians occupation pays about $108,940 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician?+
Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician maps to CIP 15.14 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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