Nuclear Engineer Salary in Covington, KY: $105,934 (2026)

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

Covington offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $105,934, which is $1,203 above the Kentucky state average of $104,731. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Covington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Covington's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $105,934 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Covington an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Covington spans from $66,880 at the 10th percentile to $156,640 at the 90th percentile — a $89,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,640, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,360. Covington is a smaller market (pop. 40,961), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Covington by Experience

In Covington, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $68,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$68,640

$-9,360 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$107,360

$-14,640 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$151,360

$-20,640 vs national

Percentile	Covington	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$66,880	$66,120	$76,000
25th Percentile	$84,480	$83,520	$96,000
Median (50th)	$105,934	$104,731	$120,380
75th Percentile	$130,240	$128,760	$148,000
90th Percentile	$156,640	$154,860	$178,000

Percentile

Covington

10th Percentile

$66,880

25th Percentile

$84,480

Median (50th)

$105,934

75th Percentile

$130,240

90th Percentile

$156,640

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Covington

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Covington

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Covington, KY? ▼

The median nuclear engineer salary in Covington, Kentucky is $105,934 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $66,880 (10th percentile) to $156,640 (90th percentile).

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Covington? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $105,934, a nuclear engineer in Covington earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Covington compare to the Kentucky state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼

Covington's median nuclear engineer salary of $105,934 is 1.1% above the Kentucky state average of $104,731. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Covington, KY? ▼

Covington has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $105,934 in Covington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Covington? ▼

Most nuclear engineer positions in Covington 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.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Covington, Kentucky