Engineering Fairbanks, AK Pop. 32,325

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Fairbanks, Alaska

The median nuclear engineer salary in Fairbanks, AK is $156,494 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 4.8% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$156,494
vs State Avg
+$7,223
vs National
+$36,114
Cost of Living
130%

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

Fairbanks offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $156,494, which is $7,223 above the Alaska state average of $149,271. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Fairbanks pays above average for this role.

However, Fairbanks's cost of living index is 130%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $156,494 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fairbanks should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Fairbanks spans from $98,800 at the 10th percentile to $231,400 at the 90th percentile — a $132,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $101,400, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $223,600. Fairbanks is a smaller market (pop. 32,325), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Fairbanks by Experience

In Fairbanks, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $101,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $223,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$101,400
+$23,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$158,600
+$36,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$223,600
+$51,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fairbanks, AK

Percentile Fairbanks
10th Percentile $98,800
25th Percentile $124,800
Median (50th) $156,494
75th Percentile $192,400
90th Percentile $231,400

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$162,513
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$158,902
Pop. 8,458
Anchorage, AK
$151,679
Pop. 291,247
Wasilla, AK
$142,048
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Fairbanks

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Fairbanks and the surrounding Alaska 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 Fairbanks may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Fairbanks

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Fairbanks, AK:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Fairbanks

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Fairbanks, Alaska is $156,494 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $98,800 (10th percentile) to $231,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Fairbanks? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $156,494, a nuclear engineer in Fairbanks earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fairbanks compare to the Alaska state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Fairbanks's median nuclear engineer salary of $156,494 is 4.8% above the Alaska state average of $149,271. The local cost of living index is 130% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fairbanks, AK? ▼
Fairbanks has a cost of living index of 130% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $156,494 in Fairbanks has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Fairbanks? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Fairbanks 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.