Engineering Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median nuclear engineer salary in Aurora, IL is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$114,361
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,019
Cost of Living
95%

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

Aurora offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $114,361, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $114,361. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Aurora spans from $72,200 at the 10th percentile to $169,100 at the 90th percentile — a $96,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,100, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,400. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $74,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,400 per year. The local cost of living index 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 Aurora, IL

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

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Aurora

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Aurora

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Aurora, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Aurora

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Aurora, Illinois is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $72,200 (10th percentile) to $169,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,361, a nuclear engineer in Aurora earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Aurora's median nuclear engineer salary of $114,361 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $114,361. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $114,361 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Aurora? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Aurora 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.