Engineering Arizona (AZ) Rank #19 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Arizona

The median nuclear engineer salary in Arizona is $116,769 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$116,769
vs National
$-3,611
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for nuclear engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $116,769 per year, nuclear engineers in Arizona earn $3,611 less than the national median of $120,380.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning nuclear engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $73,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $172,660 — a $98,940 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $134,826.

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 Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $75,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,840 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,660
$-2,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$118,340
$-3,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$166,840
$-5,160 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $73,720
25th Percentile $93,120
Median (50th) $116,769
75th Percentile $143,560
90th Percentile $172,660

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Arizona

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Arizona

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Arizona

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Arizona? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Arizona is $116,769 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $73,720 (10th percentile) to $172,660 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,769, a nuclear engineer in Arizona earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $75,660, while senior professionals earn $166,840.
How does Arizona compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Arizona's median of $116,769 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Florida ($117,972) and Maine ($117,972).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Arizona earns approximately $75,660 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $118,340. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $166,840.
What city in Arizona pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $134,826. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.