Engineering Louisville, KY Pop. 633,045

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Louisville, Kentucky

The median nuclear engineer salary in Louisville, KY is $110,750 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 5.7% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$110,750
vs State Avg
+$6,019
vs National
$-9,630
Cost of Living
92%

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

Louisville offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $110,750, which is $6,019 above the Kentucky state average of $104,731. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Louisville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Louisville'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 Louisville 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. As a major metro area with a population of 633,045, Louisville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Louisville by Experience

In Louisville, 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 Louisville, KY

Percentile Louisville
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 Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$111,953
Pop. 322,570
Covington, KY
$105,934
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$101,119
Pop. 74,735
Owensboro, KY
$98,712
Pop. 60,183

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Louisville

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Louisville

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Louisville, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Louisville

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Louisville, KY? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Louisville, Kentucky 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 Louisville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,750, a nuclear engineer in Louisville earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Louisville compare to the Kentucky state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Louisville's median nuclear engineer salary of $110,750 is 5.7% above the Kentucky state average of $104,731. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Louisville, KY? ▼
Louisville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $110,750 in Louisville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Louisville? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Louisville 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.