Engineering Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Arkansas

The median nuclear engineer salary in Arkansas is $101,119 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$101,119
vs National
$-19,261
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. Nuclear Engineer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $101,119 per year, nuclear engineers in Arkansas earn $19,261 less than the national median of $120,380.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $101,119 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $120,380 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $63,840, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $149,520 — a $85,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $105,934.

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 Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $65,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,480 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,480
$-19,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,480
$-27,520 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $63,840
25th Percentile $80,640
Median (50th) $101,119
75th Percentile $124,320
90th Percentile $149,520

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Arkansas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Arkansas is $101,119 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $63,840 (10th percentile) to $149,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,119, a nuclear engineer in Arkansas earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $65,520, while senior professionals earn $144,480.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Arkansas's median of $101,119 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($104,731) and Oklahoma ($103,527).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Arkansas earns approximately $65,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $102,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $144,480.
What city in Arkansas pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $105,934. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.