Engineering Phoenix, AZ Pop. 1,608,139

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Phoenix, Arizona

The median nuclear engineer salary in Phoenix, AZ is $120,380 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.1% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$120,380
vs State Avg
+$3,611
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Phoenix offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $120,380, which is $3,611 above the Arizona state average of $116,769. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Phoenix pays above average for this role.

Phoenix's cost of living is 100% 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 Phoenix spans from $76,000 at the 10th percentile to $178,000 at the 90th percentile — a $102,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,000, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,608,139, Phoenix typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Phoenix by Experience

In Phoenix, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $78,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$122,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Phoenix, AZ

Percentile Phoenix
10th Percentile $76,000
25th Percentile $96,000
Median (50th) $120,380
75th Percentile $148,000
90th Percentile $178,000

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Phoenix

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Phoenix

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Phoenix, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Phoenix

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Phoenix, AZ? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Phoenix, Arizona is $120,380 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $76,000 (10th percentile) to $178,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Phoenix? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,380, a nuclear engineer in Phoenix earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Phoenix compare to the Arizona state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Phoenix's median nuclear engineer salary of $120,380 is 3.1% above the Arizona state average of $116,769. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Phoenix, AZ? ▼
Phoenix has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $120,380 in Phoenix has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Phoenix? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Phoenix 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.