Nuclear Engineer Salary in Hawaii
The median nuclear engineer salary in Hawaii is $204,646 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $120,380.
Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for nuclear engineers seeking high pay. At $204,646 per year, nuclear engineers in Hawaii earn $84,266 more than the national median of $120,380.
It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $204,646 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $120,380.
The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $129,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $302,600 — a $173,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $210,665.
Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for nuclear engineers across the country.
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Hawaii by Experience
In Hawaii, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $132,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $292,400 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.
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View Offers You Qualify For →Salary Percentiles in Hawaii
| Percentile | HI Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $129,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $163,200 |
| Median (50th) | $204,646 |
| 75th Percentile | $251,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $302,600 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Hawaii
The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Hawaii
Education
Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Hawaii has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Hawaii
Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Hawaii's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
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Data shows Nuclear Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $87,754 over your career trajectory.
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