Engineering Alabama (AL) Rank #44 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Alabama

The median nuclear engineer salary in Alabama is $104,731 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$104,731
vs National
$-15,649
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. Nuclear Engineer salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $104,731 per year, nuclear engineers in Alabama earn $15,649 less than the national median of $120,380.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $104,731 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $120,380 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $66,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $154,860 — a $88,740 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $110,750.

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for nuclear engineers across the country.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $67,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,640 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,860
$-10,140 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,140
$-15,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,640
$-22,360 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $66,120
25th Percentile $83,520
Median (50th) $104,731
75th Percentile $128,760
90th Percentile $154,860

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Alabama

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Alabama

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Alabama? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Alabama is $104,731 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $66,120 (10th percentile) to $154,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,731, a nuclear engineer in Alabama earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $67,860, while senior professionals earn $149,640.
How does Alabama compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Alabama's median of $104,731 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($105,934) and South Dakota ($105,934).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Alabama earns approximately $67,860 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $106,140. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $149,640.
What city in Alabama pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $110,750. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.