Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 17.6%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $55909 and average student debt of $9812, the financial outlook for Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $55909, with grads carrying about $9812 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.18—which is excellent for paying off loans quickly.
Each year, over 319 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other (CIP 41.0299) is a highly specialized applied science field focused on using radiation-based technologies for imaging, testing, inspection, energy, and industrial applications. This classification includes flexible or nontraditional programs that do not fall under a single standard radiologic or nuclear technology category, allowing institutions to prepare technicians for niche, interdisciplinary, or emerging roles involving radiation science.
For a degree search site, this CIP code represents precision, safety, and technical expertise. Nuclear and radiologic technicians work in environments where accuracy is critical and mistakes can have serious consequences. These professionals support industries ranging from energy and manufacturing to defense, infrastructure, and advanced research. This degree appeals to students who want a hands-on, technical STEM career with strong job security and specialized skill demand.
What Is a Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies Degree?
A Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians degree is an applied technical program that trains students to safely operate radiation-producing equipment and monitoring systems. Programs under the “Other” designation often emphasize specialized applications beyond traditional medical imaging, such as:
- Industrial radiography and non-destructive testing (NDT)
- Nuclear facility operations and support
- Radiation detection and monitoring
- Energy, defense, or infrastructure inspection
- Research and laboratory radiologic support
Rather than focusing on diagnosis or theory alone, this degree emphasizes:
- Practical operation of radiologic and nuclear equipment
- Radiation physics and instrumentation
- Safety procedures and regulatory compliance
- Data interpretation and reporting
- Applied problem-solving in high-risk environments
Institutions offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for technical radiation-based careers
- Support workforce needs in energy, industry, and infrastructure
- Train specialists in radiation safety and monitoring
- Provide a pathway into regulated, high-responsibility roles
Programs are commonly offered at technical colleges, community colleges, and applied universities.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how radiation is generated, detected, controlled, and applied safely in industrial and nuclear contexts. You’ll gain experience operating specialized equipment, following strict safety protocols, and documenting results according to regulatory standards.
The curriculum blends applied physics with hands-on technical training to ensure graduates are job-ready.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Radiation safety and protection—minimizing exposure and risk
- Equipment operation—using radiologic and nuclear instruments
- Radiation detection and measurement—monitoring dose and exposure
- Non-destructive testing techniques—inspecting materials without damage
- Regulatory compliance—following federal and industry standards
- Technical documentation—accurate records and reports
- Quality control and inspection—ensuring structural integrity
- Problem-solving under strict protocols—responding to anomalies safely
These skills are critical in regulated and safety-sensitive environments.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by specialization, but commonly includes:
- Radiation Physics: principles of ionizing radiation
- Radiation Detection and Instrumentation: sensors and monitoring tools
- Industrial Radiography: X-ray and gamma-ray inspection methods
- Nuclear Systems Basics: reactors and nuclear processes
- Radiation Protection and Dosimetry: exposure measurement and control
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): weld and material inspection
- Regulations and Compliance: NRC, OSHA, and safety standards
- Emergency and Incident Response: radiation event procedures
- Internship or Field Practicum: supervised hands-on experience
Programs emphasize real-world application and safety mastery.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians degree prepares students for specialized technical roles in regulated industries. Advancement often requires certifications and experience.
Common career paths include:
- Industrial Radiography Technician: inspecting materials and structures
- Nuclear Technician: supporting nuclear facilities and operations
- Radiation Safety Technician: monitoring exposure and compliance
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician: infrastructure inspection
- Quality Assurance or Inspection Technician: safety-critical evaluations
- Research or Laboratory Radiologic Technician: supporting experiments
- Energy or Defense Industry Technician: specialized technical roles
- Certification or Advancement Path: senior technical or supervisory roles
Many positions require background checks and strict adherence to safety standards.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in industries where radiation-based technology is essential:
- Nuclear power plants and energy facilities
- Industrial manufacturing and fabrication companies
- Aerospace, defense, and infrastructure firms
- Engineering and inspection services
- Government agencies and national laboratories
- Research institutions and testing labs
- Oil, gas, and heavy industry operations
These roles often involve strict safety cultures and professional accountability.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by industry, certification, and experience.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level radiologic or nuclear technicians: often $55,000–$70,000
- Certified or experienced technicians: commonly $70,000–$95,000
- Senior, specialized, or supervisory roles: can exceed $100,000+
Certifications in NDT, radiation safety, or nuclear operations significantly boost pay.
Is This Degree Hard?
Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies is considered technically demanding and responsibility-heavy. While the math may be less abstract than pure physics, students must master safety protocols, instrumentation, and regulatory compliance. Precision, discipline, and focus are essential.
The challenge lies in working accurately under strict rules in potentially hazardous environments.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Prefer hands-on technical work
- Are comfortable following strict procedures
- Are interested in nuclear, energy, or industrial systems
- Want a specialized STEM career with strong job security
- Value safety, precision, and responsibility
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a radiologic or nuclear technology program:
- Take physics, chemistry, and math courses
- Develop strong attention to detail and procedural discipline
- Learn basic technical measurement and safety concepts
- Explore career and technical education (CTE) pathways
- Build responsibility and professionalism early
Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other (CIP 41.0299) is a high-responsibility, high-skill degree for students who want to work where precision truly matters. It offers specialized technical training, strong earning potential, and access to critical industries that rely on safe, accurate radiation-based technologies to function.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor