Engineering Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median nuclear engineer salary in Des Moines, IA is $110,750 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$110,750
vs State Avg
+$3,612
vs National
$-9,630
Cost of Living
92%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $110,750, which is $3,612 above the Iowa state average of $107,138. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% 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 Des Moines spans from $69,920 at the 10th percentile to $163,760 at the 90th percentile — a $93,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,760, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $158,240. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $71,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,240
$-9,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$158,240
$-13,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $69,920
25th Percentile $88,320
Median (50th) $110,750
75th Percentile $136,160
90th Percentile $163,760

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$114,361
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$105,934
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$103,527
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$101,119
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Des Moines

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $110,750 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $69,920 (10th percentile) to $163,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,750, a nuclear engineer in Des Moines earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Des Moines's median nuclear engineer salary of $110,750 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $107,138. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $110,750 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Des Moines? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Des Moines 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.