Engineering Chicago, IL
Pop. 2,693,976
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median nuclear engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $128,807 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.
City Median
$128,807
vs State Avg
+$14,446
vs National
+$8,427
Cost of Living
107%
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $83,460, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,460
+$5,460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$130,540
+$8,540 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,040
+$12,040 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $81,320 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,720 |
| Median (50th) | $128,807 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,460 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Chicago
Education
Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.