What Nuclear Engineers Do
Nuclear engineers are responsible for researching nuclear energy and radiation. To do this, they can design nuclear equipment like reactor cores or radiation shields. Since the work they do can be dangerous, they also write instructions and make sure that nuclear plants are following the proper safety measures.
Another duty of nuclear engineers is to find practical uses for nuclear energy and radiation. One of the practical uses of nuclear material is in medical imaging devices. Another practical application is using nuclear power for ships and spacecraft.
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer
To become an entry-level nuclear engineer, the minimum degree required is a bachelor's degree. It can be very beneficial to continue on and receive a master's or PhD in nuclear engineering. According to U.S. News, the best graduate nuclear engineering programs are offered at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and North Carolina State University.
There are a few important qualities that nuclear engineers should strive to posses. These skills include: analytical skills, communication skills, logical-thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and math skills. They should also work to be detail-oriented. Many of these skills are crucial to ensuring the nuclear engineer's safety when their work environment becomes dangerous.
Pay and Job Outlook of Nuclear Engineering
As stated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nuclear engineers is $113,460. This varies depending on the industry that the nuclear engineer works in. Those working in engineering services earn an average of $136,340 while those working in manufacturing earn an average of $89,480.
In terms of job outlook, the amount of jobs for nuclear engineers is expected to be relatively limited. One reason for the limited job outlook is because of the emergence of renewable energy which means that nuclear energy won't be utilized as much. Although the overall job outlook for nuclear engineers isn't great, there is a better outlook for nuclear engineers involved in nuclear medicine. That being said, if nuclear engineering interests you, consider specializing in nuclear medicine to increase your chances of landing a job.
Sources
Information from:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nuclear Engineers,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/nuclear-engineers.htm (visited July 28, 2020).
The Best Nuclear Engineering Programs in America, Ranked. (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2020, from https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/nuclear-engineering-rankings
Picture from:
MNB Precision. (2019, May 14). What is Nuclear Engineering and Design? Retrieved August 18, 2020, from https://www.mnbprecision.com/what-is-nuclear-engineering/