Engineering Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median nuclear engineer salary in Birmingham, AL is $108,342 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$108,342
vs State Avg
+$3,611
vs National
$-12,038
Cost of Living
90%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $108,342, which is $3,611 above the Alabama state average of $104,731. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Birmingham spans from $68,400 at the 10th percentile to $160,200 at the 90th percentile — a $91,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,200, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $154,800. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,800
$-12,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,800
$-17,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $68,400
25th Percentile $86,400
Median (50th) $108,342
75th Percentile $133,200
90th Percentile $160,200

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$110,750
Pop. 216,963
Tuscaloosa, AL
$105,934
Pop. 101,129
Montgomery, AL
$103,527
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$102,323
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Birmingham

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Birmingham, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $108,342 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $68,400 (10th percentile) to $160,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,342, a nuclear engineer in Birmingham earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Birmingham's median nuclear engineer salary of $108,342 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $104,731. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $108,342 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Birmingham? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Birmingham require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Nuclear Physics, Reactor Design, Safety Analysis, Radiation Protection. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.