Engineering Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median nuclear engineer salary in Rockford, IL is $98,712 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$98,712
vs State Avg
$-15,649
vs National
$-21,668
Cost of Living
82%

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

Rockford offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $98,712, which is $15,649 below the Illinois state average of $114,361. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $98,712 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Rockford spans from $62,320 at the 10th percentile to $145,960 at the 90th percentile — a $83,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,960, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $141,040. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $63,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,960
$-14,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,040
$-21,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$141,040
$-30,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $62,320
25th Percentile $78,720
Median (50th) $98,712
75th Percentile $121,360
90th Percentile $145,960

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$130,010
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$128,807
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$114,361
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$102,323
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Rockford

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Rockford

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rockford

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Rockford, Illinois is $98,712 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $62,320 (10th percentile) to $145,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,712, a nuclear engineer in Rockford earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Rockford's median nuclear engineer salary of $98,712 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $114,361. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $98,712 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Rockford? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Rockford 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.