Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

Turns out Homer Simpson’s gig is one of the most lucrative ones around. Nuclear power reactor operators basically make things go, distributing power among generators and keeping electricity flowing. On-the-job training and a diploma is all that’s officially required — a nuclear power plant operator must have three years of power plant experience, usually working as equipment operators — but it’s worth it. The average annual wage is $77K, with the top 10 percent making an impressive six figures. Plus, the BLS expects the industry to grow nearly 19 percent by 2018 — that’s a whole lot of future Homer Simpsons.