Nuclear Engineers
The short answer
This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 238 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about half of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 85% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms.
AI could do much of this on its own
Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or could jeopardize safe operations.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Examine accidents to obtain data for use in design of preventive measures.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Design or oversee construction or operation of nuclear reactors, power plants, or nuclear fuels reprocessing and reclamation systems.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Direct environmental compliance activities associated with nuclear plant operations or maintenance.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Direct operating or maintenance activities of nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Perform experiments that will provide information about acceptable methods of nuclear material usage, nuclear fuel reclamation, or waste disposal.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Similar workslightly less pay806 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$132,539 vs your $145,148 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Physics
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Operation and Control
- Reaction Time
- Finger Dexterity
- Response Orientation
- Control Precision
Nuclear Technicians
Similar workslightly less pay751 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$133,415 vs your $145,148 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires an associate's degree, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Physics
New skills to build
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
- Reaction Time
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
Chemical Engineers
Similar workslightly less pay28 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$132,675 vs your $145,148 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Critical Thinking
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Production and Processing
- Chemistry
Industrial Production Managers
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay457 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$132,662 vs your $145,148 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with 5 years or more of experience.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Oral Comprehension
- Education and Training
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Production and Processing
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Management of Financial Resources
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Management of Material Resources
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Somewhat similar work+23% pay1,869 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 23% more—$178,657 vs your $145,148 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with 5 years or more of experience.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
- Written Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service
- Finger Dexterity