Engineering Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median nuclear engineer salary in Fort Collins, CO is $127,603 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$127,603
vs State Avg
+$1,204
vs National
+$7,223
Cost of Living
106%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $127,603, which is $1,204 above the Colorado state average of $126,399. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% 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 Fort Collins spans from $80,560 at the 10th percentile to $188,680 at the 90th percentile — a $108,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $82,680, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,320. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $82,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,680
+$4,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,320
+$7,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,320
+$10,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $80,560
25th Percentile $101,760
Median (50th) $127,603
75th Percentile $156,880
90th Percentile $188,680

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$154,086
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$134,826
Pop. 715,522
Aurora, CO
$126,399
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$120,380
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Fort Collins, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $127,603 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $80,560 (10th percentile) to $188,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,603, a nuclear engineer in Fort Collins earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median nuclear engineer salary of $127,603 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $126,399. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $127,603 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Fort Collins? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Fort Collins 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.