Engineering Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median nuclear engineer salary in Springfield, IL is $102,323 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$102,323
vs State Avg
$-12,038
vs National
$-18,057
Cost of Living
85%

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

Springfield offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $102,323, which is $12,038 below the Illinois state average of $114,361. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $102,323 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Springfield spans from $64,600 at the 10th percentile to $151,300 at the 90th percentile — a $86,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,300, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $146,200. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $66,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $146,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,300
$-11,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,700
$-18,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$146,200
$-25,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $64,600
25th Percentile $81,600
Median (50th) $102,323
75th Percentile $125,800
90th Percentile $151,300

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
Rockford, IL
$98,712
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Springfield

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Springfield

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Springfield, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Springfield

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Springfield, Illinois is $102,323 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $64,600 (10th percentile) to $151,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,323, a nuclear engineer in Springfield earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Springfield's median nuclear engineer salary of $102,323 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $114,361. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $102,323 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Springfield? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Springfield 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.