Engineering Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median nuclear engineer salary in Tucson, AZ is $111,953 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$111,953
vs State Avg
$-4,816
vs National
$-8,427
Cost of Living
93%

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

Tucson offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $111,953, which is $4,816 below the Arizona state average of $116,769. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% 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 Tucson spans from $70,680 at the 10th percentile to $165,540 at the 90th percentile — a $94,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,540, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,960. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $72,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,540
$-5,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,460
$-8,540 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,960
$-12,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $70,680
25th Percentile $89,280
Median (50th) $111,953
75th Percentile $137,640
90th Percentile $165,540

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$134,826
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$122,788
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$120,380
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$116,769
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Tucson

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Tucson

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Tucson, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Tucson

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Tucson, Arizona is $111,953 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $70,680 (10th percentile) to $165,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,953, a nuclear engineer in Tucson earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Tucson's median nuclear engineer salary of $111,953 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $116,769. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $111,953 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Tucson? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Tucson 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.