Engineering California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in California

The median nuclear engineer salary in California is $166,124 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$166,124
vs National
+$45,744
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Nuclear Engineer Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $107,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $237,360 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$107,640
+$29,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$168,360
+$46,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$237,360
+$65,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $104,880
25th Percentile $132,480
Median (50th) $166,124
75th Percentile $204,240
90th Percentile $245,640

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in California

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in California

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