Engineering Honolulu, HI Pop. 350,964

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii

The median nuclear engineer salary in Honolulu, HI is $210,665 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$210,665
vs State Avg
+$6,019
vs National
+$90,285
Cost of Living
175%

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

Honolulu offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $210,665, which is $6,019 above the Hawaii state average of $204,646. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $210,665 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Honolulu spans from $133,000 at the 10th percentile to $311,500 at the 90th percentile — a $178,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $136,500, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $301,000. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $136,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $301,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$136,500
+$58,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$213,500
+$91,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$301,000
+$129,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Honolulu, HI

Percentile Honolulu
10th Percentile $133,000
25th Percentile $168,000
Median (50th) $210,665
75th Percentile $259,000
90th Percentile $311,500

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Kailua, HI
$204,646
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$202,238
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$195,016
Pop. 38,216
Hilo, HI
$182,978
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Honolulu

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Honolulu

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Honolulu, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Honolulu, HI? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $210,665 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $133,000 (10th percentile) to $311,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Honolulu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $210,665, a nuclear engineer in Honolulu earns approximately $101 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Honolulu's median nuclear engineer salary of $210,665 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $204,646. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼
Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $210,665 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Honolulu? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Honolulu 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.