Engineering Kailua, HI Pop. 38,635

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Kailua, Hawaii

The median nuclear engineer salary in Kailua, HI is $204,646 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$204,646
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$84,266
Cost of Living
170%

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

Kailua offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $204,646, which is $0 above the Hawaii state average of $204,646. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Kailua pays above average for this role.

However, Kailua's cost of living index is 170%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $204,646 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Kailua should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Kailua spans from $129,200 at the 10th percentile to $302,600 at the 90th percentile — a $173,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $132,600, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $292,400. Kailua is a smaller market (pop. 38,635), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Kailua by Experience

In Kailua, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $132,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $292,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$132,600
+$54,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$207,400
+$85,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$292,400
+$120,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kailua, HI

Percentile Kailua
10th Percentile $129,200
25th Percentile $163,200
Median (50th) $204,646
75th Percentile $251,600
90th Percentile $302,600

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$210,665
Pop. 350,964
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 Kailua

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Kailua

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Kailua, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Kailua

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Kailua, HI? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Kailua, Hawaii is $204,646 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $129,200 (10th percentile) to $302,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Kailua? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $204,646, a nuclear engineer in Kailua earns approximately $98 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kailua compare to the Hawaii state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Kailua's median nuclear engineer salary of $204,646 is 0.0% above the Hawaii state average of $204,646. The local cost of living index is 170% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kailua, HI? ▼
Kailua has a cost of living index of 170% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $204,646 in Kailua has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Kailua? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Kailua 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.