Engineering Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median nuclear engineer salary in Little Rock, AR is $104,731 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 3.6% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$104,731
vs State Avg
+$3,612
vs National
$-15,649
Cost of Living
87%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $104,731, which is $3,612 above the Arkansas state average of $101,119. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $104,731 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Little Rock spans from $66,120 at the 10th percentile to $154,860 at the 90th percentile — a $88,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,860, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,640. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $67,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,860
$-10,140 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,140
$-15,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,640
$-22,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Little Rock, AR

Percentile Little Rock
10th Percentile $66,120
25th Percentile $83,520
Median (50th) $104,731
75th Percentile $128,760
90th Percentile $154,860

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$105,934
Pop. 93,949
Springdale, AR
$101,119
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$98,712
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$96,304
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Little Rock

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Little Rock, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $104,731 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $66,120 (10th percentile) to $154,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,731, a nuclear engineer in Little Rock earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Little Rock's median nuclear engineer salary of $104,731 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $101,119. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼
Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $104,731 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Little Rock? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Little Rock 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.