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17-2161.00

Nuclear Engineers

Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.

2.1OUT OF 10SAFEHIGH RISK
Low Risk

Your job is remarkably safe from AI

Safer than 16% of occupations we track

Frey & Osborne (2013) estimated 7% probability of automation for this role
paper →
16%
of jobs safer
860
jobs riskier than this
-1.1%
projected growth

Disruption Vector

Disruption Type

Hybrid Threat

Both AI software and physical automation threaten different aspects of this role, creating a compound risk from multiple directions.

Nuclear Engineers work in one of the most tightly regulated and safety-critical fields, where AI adoption is proceeding cautiously despite clear applications in reactor simulation, anomaly detection, and materials degradation modeling (Kairos Power, TerraPower using AI tools). The regulatory framework (NRC licensing, IAEA standards) deliberately creates friction against automation of safety-critical decisions. Through 2027, AI accelerates research and maintenance planning but the engineer-of-record accountability model insulates the core of the occupation from displacement.

Disrupted byBoston DynamicsChatGPT / GPT-4oAmazon Robotics

Salary & Job Outlook

Median Annual Pay
$127,520
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
10-Year Job Growth
-1.1%
Little or no change
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Zone 4 / 5

AI Risk Timeline

2.1
2.4
2.7
3.3
Today
5 Years
10 Years
20 Years

Projection model: Based on current AI capability growth rates. High-risk occupations are projected to see compounding automation pressure, while human-centric roles show slower risk accumulation. These are statistical projections, not guarantees.

Skills Analysis — AI Vulnerability

AI can replicate (0)
AI-resistant (1)
Mixed
Critical Thinking80%
Active Learning75%
Complex Problem Solving78%
Judgment and Decision Making82%
Reading Comprehension72%

Similar Safe Careers

Nuclear Engineers is already low-risk. Explore similarly safe occupations:

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Nuclear Engineers

2.1
/ 10
Low Risk
21% automation risk

"The robots looked at your job and said 'nah, too human.'"

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NUCLEAR ENGINEERS
2.1

/ 10

LOW RISK

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You're safer than 16% of all knowledge workers we track.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and is based on statistical models and academic research. It does not constitute career advice and is not a guarantee of future employment outcomes. AI impact varies significantly by employer, region, and individual circumstances. Learn about our methodology →