Considering a Career as a Nuclear Maintenance Technician? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re curious about a career in nuclear energy that’s hands-on, pays well, and doesn’t require a four-year degree, Nuclear Maintenance Technician might be the role you’ve been looking for.

In Season 2 of The Naked Nuclear  podcast episode, Danielle spoke with Kelli Davis, who leads the Nuclear Technology program at Cape Fear Community College. She shares how students are trained for success in nuclear power plants—and what it really takes to thrive in this demanding but rewarding field.

Here’s a snapshot of what they covered:

💼 Job Overview: What Does a Nuclear Maintenance Technician Do?

Nuclear maintenance technicians inspect, repair, and maintain equipment in nuclear power plants. This includes pumps, valves, turbines, and control systems—critical infrastructure that keeps the plant running safely and efficiently.

It’s physical work. Expect crawling through tight spaces, lifting heavy tools, and wearing personal protective equipment—sometimes even during high-radiation conditions (with strict safety controls in place).

📚 Education & Training

Technicians can start directly at a plant with a high school diploma and on the job training programs, but many are starting with an associate degree in nuclear technology or applied science. These programs are often offered at technical or community colleges and take about 2 years to complete.

• Cost: Approximately $10,000 total for tuition and fees.

• Program Example: Cape Fear Community College’s nuclear tech program offers hands-on training and strong job placement pathways into utilities and power plants.

🧪 Testing & Requirements

Getting into the field means proving you’ve got the skills:

• POSS Test (Plant Operator Selection System): A common pre-employment aptitude test.

• Mechanical aptitude exams,  Power Plant Maintenance Positions Selection System (MASS) test, designed by the Edison Energy Institute (EEI)

• Drug testing and background screening

• Security clearance may be required, depending on the site

💵 Salary Expectations

The pay is competitive and grows with experience.

• Starting Salary: $55,000–$65,000

• Experienced Techs: $80,000–$110,000+ 

• Additional Overtime: Many techs earn even more during plant “outages” or maintenance cycles.

🕐 Schedule & Workload

Nuclear plants operate 24/7, so techs often work:

• 12-hour rotating shifts

• Nights, weekends, and holidays

• Outage seasons can involve long days for several weeks straight—intense, but often lucrative

🎧 Want the Full Story?

Kelli Davis gives an inside look at how Cape Fear is training the next generation of nuclear workers and what her students love most (and least) about the job. She also shares her own journey after 20+ years in the industry. 

👂 Listen to the full episode HERE

Final Thoughts:
If you’re mechanically inclined, enjoy physical work, and want a high-paying career without a four-year degree, becoming a nuclear maintenance technician might just be the spark you need.

Additional Reading: 

https://getintoenergy.org/career-pathways/discover-a-career-as-a-nuclear-power-plant-tech/

https://poweringcareers.com/careers/nuclear-technician/