Engineering Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Illinois

The median nuclear engineer salary in Illinois is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$114,361
vs National
$-6,019
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $74,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,400 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,900
$-6,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$163,400
$-8,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $72,200
25th Percentile $91,200
Median (50th) $114,361
75th Percentile $140,600
90th Percentile $169,100

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Illinois

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.