Nuclear Engineer Salary
Nuclear engineers research and develop nuclear energy processes and instruments for power generation, medical, and industrial use.
Nuclear Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level nuclear engineers earn around $78,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $122,000. Senior-level nuclear engineers can earn $172,000 or more.
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View Offers You Qualify For →Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for nuclear engineers varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $76,000, while the top 10% earn $178,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $76,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $120,380 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $178,000 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by State
Nuclear Engineer salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $204,646, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $99,915.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $204,646 | Details → |
| #2 California | $166,124 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $162,513 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $149,271 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $146,864 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $138,437 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $138,437 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $134,826 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $132,418 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $132,418 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $126,399 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $126,399 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $126,399 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $125,195 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $121,584 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $121,584 | Details → |
| #17 Florida | $117,972 | Details → |
| #18 Maine | $117,972 | Details → |
| #19 Arizona | $116,769 | Details → |
| #20 Minnesota | $116,769 | Details → |
| #21 Nevada | $116,769 | Details → |
| #22 Utah | $116,769 | Details → |
| #23 Pennsylvania | $115,565 | Details → |
| #24 Illinois | $114,361 | Details → |
| #25 Michigan | $114,361 | Details → |
| #26 Montana | $114,361 | Details → |
| #27 Idaho | $113,157 | Details → |
| #28 Georgia | $111,953 | Details → |
| #29 New Mexico | $111,953 | Details → |
| #30 North Carolina | $110,750 | Details → |
| #31 Texas | $110,750 | Details → |
| #32 Wisconsin | $110,750 | Details → |
| #33 Wyoming | $110,750 | Details → |
| #34 Louisiana | $109,546 | Details → |
| #35 Indiana | $108,342 | Details → |
| #36 Nebraska | $108,342 | Details → |
| #37 North Dakota | $108,342 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $108,342 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $107,138 | Details → |
| #40 South Carolina | $107,138 | Details → |
| #41 Tennessee | $107,138 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $105,934 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $105,934 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $104,731 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $104,731 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $104,731 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $103,527 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $101,119 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $101,119 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $99,915 | Details → |
Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay
Data shows Nuclear Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $51,620 over your career trajectory.
Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →Key Responsibilities
- ● Design nuclear power plant components
- ● Monitor nuclear facility operations
- ● Develop safety procedures
- ● Research nuclear energy applications
- ● Ensure regulatory compliance
Top Skills
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook
As fast as average — projected 4% growth over the next decade
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