Engineering Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median nuclear engineer salary in Hilo, HI is $182,978 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$182,978
vs State Avg
$-21,668
vs National
+$62,598
Cost of Living
152%

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

Hilo offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $182,978, which is $21,668 below the Hawaii state average of $204,646. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Hilo pays above average for this role.

However, Hilo's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $182,978 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Hilo spans from $115,520 at the 10th percentile to $270,560 at the 90th percentile — a $155,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $118,560, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $261,440. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $118,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $261,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$118,560
+$40,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$185,440
+$63,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$261,440
+$89,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $115,520
25th Percentile $145,920
Median (50th) $182,978
75th Percentile $224,960
90th Percentile $270,560

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$210,665
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$204,646
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$202,238
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$195,016
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Hilo

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Hilo

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Hilo

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $182,978 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $115,520 (10th percentile) to $270,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $182,978, a nuclear engineer in Hilo earns approximately $88 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Hilo's median nuclear engineer salary of $182,978 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $204,646. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hilo, HI? ▼
Hilo has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $182,978 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Hilo? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Hilo 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.