Engineering Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median nuclear engineer salary in Wilmington, DE is $126,399 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$126,399
vs State Avg
+$4,815
vs National
+$6,019
Cost of Living
105%

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

Wilmington offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $126,399, which is $4,815 above the Delaware state average of $121,584. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Wilmington pays above average for this role.

Wilmington's cost of living is 105% 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 Wilmington spans from $79,800 at the 10th percentile to $186,900 at the 90th percentile — a $107,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,900, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,600. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $81,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,900
+$3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,100
+$6,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,600
+$8,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $79,800
25th Percentile $100,800
Median (50th) $126,399
75th Percentile $155,400
90th Percentile $186,900

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$122,788
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$119,176
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$117,972
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$115,565
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Wilmington

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Wilmington, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $126,399 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $79,800 (10th percentile) to $186,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,399, a nuclear engineer in Wilmington earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Wilmington's median nuclear engineer salary of $126,399 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $121,584. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, DE? ▼
Wilmington has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $126,399 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Wilmington? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Wilmington 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.