Good career path for a Reactor Operator outside of nuclear

[NukePadawan]

With more and more plants closing, and hearing nothing but bad news about my plants fiscal solvency from upper management I have serious doubts that my plant will be open another decade. With overtime as an RO I make around $200K a year. Does anyone know of any career paths that my experience as an RO can be transferred to that has a similar pay rate? Any advice on how to prepare, (online courses, going sro, etc.) also would be appreciated.

[TVA]

No. The skillset is not transferable.
You can get jobs at various types of power plants but they will not hire you due to your RO license

[Rennhack]

1. Physician; Median base salary: $180,000 Not only is this the top-paying job in the U.S., but employment for medical doctors is projected to grow 14 percent from 2014 to 2024, twice as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. Lawyer; Median base salary: $144,500 While pay can vary depending on what type of law you practice, the median salary is high enough to make lawyer the second best-paying job in America.
3. R&D manager; Median base salary: $142,120
4. Software development manager; Median base salary: $132,000 The outlook for this job is bright; it’s expected to grow 17 percent from 2014 to 2024.
5. Pharmacy manager; Median base salary: $130,000 This managerial position usually requires years of experience in addition to a doctoral degree, which all pharmacists are required to have.

[TVA]

None of those are transferable RO skills

[TVA]

Become an SRO in the South

[SloGlo]

Save yore money. Consult financial planner. Cut awl none kneaded expenses. Ride out you're gig n retire.

[fiveeleven]

Many moons ago, it became inherently obvious to those of us with only a basic education be it high school, a tech school, da navy, etc., that there was not a job in existence that could come close to our financial compensation while laboring inside the Owner Controlled Area. RP staffing requirements for EPlan compliance - way easier than a Pharmacist or R&D manager.Oh yeah - also way easier than an SRO. Ensuring the creation of ion pears was as low as reasonably achievable - great work if you can get it.

[ipregen]

Plumbers can make good money

[Rennhack]

None of those are transferable RO skills

Correct.  My point is that the highest paid profession on that list, a Physician, whose Median base salary is $180,000.  $20k less than he makes.  He should not be looking to exit nuclear.

[hamsamich]

SloGlo has the answer I would pursue.

[MMM]

Like TVA said, there really aren't any jobs that your RO license will translate to outside of nuclear at that pay. There are, as pointed out, numerous jobs that will pay comparably, but they are in different fields and would require several years of college to get there. Your best bet is probably to get your SRO license, then translate that to a management position.

[scotoma]

NukePadawan, you don't say your age or any other demographics. You don't have to exit the Nuclear field. Some ROs that I know that have lost there jobs have taken consulting, procedure writing, and teaching positions that pay very well. Most are temporary or short term, but pay per diem. Some are overseas. Others ROs have left the nuclear industry, taken the payout, and absorbed the culture shock of being less regulated. The special high intensity training that you have received will help you make intelligent decisions whatever you chose. Money isn't everything, and it is not the root of all evil. But the love of money is, so chose what will love you back, it is not the money.

[gerald.rood]

Abu Dubai is actually not too bad, especially if your employer is compensating you for any inconvenience.

[RDTroja]

Abu Dubai? Is that like Michiconsin?

[GLW]

Abu Dubai? Is that like Michiconsin?

more like minnecosin, only warmer and less friendly,....

plus no beer, no brats, no spam, no booyah, no lutefisk,...

but lots of money,....

and camels, which you can both ride around on and then eat for dinner,....

win-win!!!!   

[NukePadawan]

NukePadawan, you don't say your age or any other demographics. You don't have to exit the Nuclear field. Some ROs that I know that have lost there jobs have taken consulting, procedure writing, and teaching positions that pay very well. Most are temporary or short term, but pay per diem. Some are overseas. Others ROs have left the nuclear industry, taken the payout, and absorbed the culture shock of being less regulated. The special high intensity training that you have received will help you make intelligent decisions whatever you chose. Money isn't everything, and it is not the root of all evil. But the love of money is, so chose what will love you back, it is not the money.

Demographics wise I'm in my early 30s with a very young family so, retirement or moving overseas isn't really an option. Thank you for taking the time to give me your input though. 

[scotoma]

I don't know what the license bonus is these days, but it has to be significant. If you are willing to stay in nuclear, consider applying to the utilities with newer plants, like WattsBar or Vogtle.

[MMM]

I don't know what the license bonus is these days, but it has to be significant. If you are willing to stay in nuclear, consider applying to the utilities with newer plants, like WattsBar or Vogtle.

That's not really necessary, a lot of plants, especially those in regulated market areas, are working on license extensions to go out another 30-40 years.

[scotoma]

The old plants have old and sometimes obsolete equipment. You have to deal with all the work arounds and sub performing equipment especiallly the non safety systems.