Nuclear Engineer Salary in Lexington, KY: $111,953 (2026)

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

Lexington offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $111,953, which is $7,222 above the Kentucky state average of $104,731. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington's cost of living is 93% 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 Lexington spans from $70,680 at the 10th percentile to $165,540 at the 90th percentile — a $94,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,540, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,960. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $72,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$72,540

$-5,460 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$113,460

$-8,540 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$159,960

$-12,040 vs national

Percentile	Lexington	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$70,680	$66,120	$76,000
25th Percentile	$89,280	$83,520	$96,000
Median (50th)	$111,953	$104,731	$120,380
75th Percentile	$137,640	$128,760	$148,000
90th Percentile	$165,540	$154,860	$178,000

Percentile

Lexington

10th Percentile

$70,680

25th Percentile

$89,280

Median (50th)

$111,953

75th Percentile

$137,640

90th Percentile

$165,540

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Lexington

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Lexington

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

The median nuclear engineer salary in Lexington, Kentucky is $111,953 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $70,680 (10th percentile) to $165,540 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $111,953, a nuclear engineer in Lexington earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Lexington's median nuclear engineer salary of $111,953 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $104,731. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

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

Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $111,953 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most nuclear engineer positions in Lexington 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 Lexington, Kentucky