Nuclear Engineer Salary in Jonesboro, AR: $98,712 (2026)

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

Jonesboro offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $98,712, which is $2,407 below the Arkansas state average of $101,119. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Jonesboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jonesboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $98,712 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Jonesboro an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Jonesboro spans from $62,320 at the 10th percentile to $145,960 at the 90th percentile — a $83,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,960, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $141,040. Jonesboro is a smaller market (pop. 78,576), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Jonesboro by Experience

In Jonesboro, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $63,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$63,960

$-14,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$100,040

$-21,960 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$141,040

$-30,960 vs national

Percentile	Jonesboro	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$62,320	$63,840	$76,000
25th Percentile	$78,720	$80,640	$96,000
Median (50th)	$98,712	$101,119	$120,380
75th Percentile	$121,360	$124,320	$148,000
90th Percentile	$145,960	$149,520	$178,000

Percentile

Jonesboro

10th Percentile

$62,320

25th Percentile

$78,720

Median (50th)

$98,712

75th Percentile

$121,360

90th Percentile

$145,960

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Jonesboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Jonesboro

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Jonesboro, AR? ▼

The median nuclear engineer salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas is $98,712 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $62,320 (10th percentile) to $145,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Jonesboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $98,712, a nuclear engineer in Jonesboro earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Jonesboro compare to the Arkansas state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼

Jonesboro's median nuclear engineer salary of $98,712 is 2.4% below the Arkansas state average of $101,119. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, AR? ▼

Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $98,712 in Jonesboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Jonesboro? ▼

Most nuclear engineer positions in Jonesboro 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.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas