Employment of nuclear technicians is projected to decline 5 percent from 2014 to 2024.
Technicians will be needed to help maintain and upgrade the existing stock of nuclear power plants. However, traditional forms of power generation are becoming more productive due to increased automation, which will contribute to the decline. In addition, increasing pressure from alternative forms of power generation, such as solar arrays and wind turbines will impact employment growth in traditional energy production.
Technicians are expected to be in demand to develop nuclear medical technology, enforce waste management safety standards, and work in defense-related areas such as nuclear security. In addition, environmental remediation of infrastructure at now defunct nuclear facilities will create the need for spending on cleanup projects.
Nuclear Technicians
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Total, all occupations
7%
Life, physical, and social science technicians
5%
Nuclear technicians
-5%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program