Engineering Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Alaska

The median nuclear engineer salary in Alaska is $149,271 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$149,271
vs National
+$28,891
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for nuclear engineers seeking high pay. At $149,271 per year, nuclear engineers in Alaska earn $28,891 more than the national median of $120,380.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $149,271 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $120,380.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $94,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $220,720 — a $126,480 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $162,513.

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 Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $96,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $213,280 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$96,720
+$18,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$151,280
+$29,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$213,280
+$41,280 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $94,240
25th Percentile $119,040
Median (50th) $149,271
75th Percentile $183,520
90th Percentile $220,720

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Alaska

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Alaska

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Alaska

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Alaska? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Alaska is $149,271 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $94,240 (10th percentile) to $220,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $149,271, a nuclear engineer in Alaska earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $96,720, while senior professionals earn $213,280.
How does Alaska compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Alaska's median of $149,271 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($166,124) and Massachusetts ($162,513).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Alaska earns approximately $96,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $151,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $213,280.
What city in Alaska pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $162,513. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.