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Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology prepares professionals to apply advanced imaging techniques in industrial and nuclear environments, ensuring safety, quality control, and regulatory compliance. This program equips students with the technical expertise to operate radiation detection systems, interpret complex imaging data, and support critical infrastructure across energy, manufacturing, and environmental sectors.

  • Industrial Radiography: Utilizing X-ray and gamma radiation to inspect materials and structures for internal flaws, ensuring structural integrity in construction, pipelines, and aerospace components.
  • Nuclear Radiation Safety: Implementing protocols and procedures to protect personnel and the environment from exposure during nuclear facility operations and maintenance.
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Methods: Mastering advanced inspection techniques that evaluate material properties without causing damage, including radiographic, ultrasonic, and magnetic particle testing.
  • Radiation Detection and Measurement: Operating and calibrating instruments to monitor radiation levels, assess contamination risks, and maintain compliance with national and international safety standards.
  • Quality Assurance in Imaging: Applying systematic processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliability in radiologic data used for decision-making in industrial and nuclear applications.
  • Regulatory and Compliance Frameworks: Understanding federal, state, and industry-specific regulations governing the use of radiation, including licensing, reporting, and emergency response protocols.

Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

14
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
2
Universities & Colleges
1
Career Pathways

Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology degrees, including Nuclear Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 5,990 professionals.


National Average Salaries

Occupation Median Salary Salary Range Total Employment Hourly Rate
Nuclear Technicians 19-4051 $104,240 $64,370 - $126,890 5,990 $50.11

Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $94,620 in Tennessee to $121,460 in New York—a 28% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, Florida, and Alabama. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 5,990 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.

Average Salary Range:

Top Universities for Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 2 institutions offering Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology is found at Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) (13 graduates), and National American University (NAU), Rapid City (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 14 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.

College Name Award Levels Graduates Location Control Website
Northern New Mexico College (NNMC)
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
13 Espanola, New Mexico Public nnmc.edu
National American University (NAU)
Bachelor's
1 Rapid City, South Dakota Private national.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology programs

How much can I earn with a Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology degree?

Salaries for Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology graduates vary by role and location. Nuclear Technicians earn a median of $104,240 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $121,460 compared to $94,620 in Tennessee. Approximately 5,990 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.

Which universities have the largest Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology programs?

Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) (13 graduates), National American University (NAU), Rapid City (1 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.

Is enrollment in Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology growing or declining?

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 25 in 2010 to 14 in 2023-24. This represents a 44% decrease overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.

What career paths are available with a Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technology degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Nuclear Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 5,990 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.

Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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