Engineering Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median nuclear engineer salary in Waipahu, HI is $195,016 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$195,016
vs State Avg
$-9,630
vs National
+$74,636
Cost of Living
162%

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

Waipahu offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $195,016, which is $9,630 below the Hawaii state average of $204,646. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Waipahu pays above average for this role.

However, Waipahu's cost of living index is 162%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $195,016 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Waipahu spans from $123,120 at the 10th percentile to $288,360 at the 90th percentile — a $165,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $126,360, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $278,640. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $126,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $278,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$126,360
+$48,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$197,640
+$75,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$278,640
+$106,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $123,120
25th Percentile $155,520
Median (50th) $195,016
75th Percentile $239,760
90th Percentile $288,360

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
Hilo, HI
$182,978
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Waipahu

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Waipahu

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Waipahu, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Waipahu

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $195,016 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $123,120 (10th percentile) to $288,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $195,016, a nuclear engineer in Waipahu earns approximately $94 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Waipahu's median nuclear engineer salary of $195,016 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $204,646. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waipahu, HI? ▼
Waipahu has a cost of living index of 162% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $195,016 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Waipahu? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Waipahu 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.