Engineering Naperville, IL Pop. 149,540

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Naperville, Illinois

The median nuclear engineer salary in Naperville, IL is $130,010 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 13.7% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$130,010
vs State Avg
+$15,649
vs National
+$9,630
Cost of Living
108%

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

Naperville offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $130,010, which is $15,649 above the Illinois state average of $114,361. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Naperville pays above average for this role.

Naperville's cost of living is 108% 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 Naperville spans from $82,080 at the 10th percentile to $192,240 at the 90th percentile — a $110,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $84,240, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $185,760. With a population of 149,540, Naperville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Naperville by Experience

In Naperville, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $84,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $185,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,240
+$6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$131,760
+$9,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$185,760
+$13,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Naperville, IL

Percentile Naperville
10th Percentile $82,080
25th Percentile $103,680
Median (50th) $130,010
75th Percentile $159,840
90th Percentile $192,240

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Chicago, IL
$128,807
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$114,361
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$102,323
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$98,712
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Naperville

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Naperville

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Naperville, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Naperville

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Naperville, IL? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Naperville, Illinois is $130,010 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $82,080 (10th percentile) to $192,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Naperville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,010, a nuclear engineer in Naperville earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Naperville compare to the Illinois state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Naperville's median nuclear engineer salary of $130,010 is 13.7% above the Illinois state average of $114,361. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Naperville, IL? ▼
Naperville has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $130,010 in Naperville has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Naperville? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Naperville 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.