Engineering New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Nuclear Engineer Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median nuclear engineer salary in New Orleans, LA is $117,972 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$117,972
vs State Avg
+$8,426
vs National
$-2,408
Cost of Living
98%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $117,972, which is $8,426 above the Louisiana state average of $109,546. Compared to the national median of $120,380, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $74,480 at the 10th percentile to $174,440 at the 90th percentile — a $99,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,440, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $168,560. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $76,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,440
$-1,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,560
$-2,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$168,560
$-3,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $74,480
25th Percentile $94,080
Median (50th) $117,972
75th Percentile $145,040
90th Percentile $174,440

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$110,750
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$105,934
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$103,527
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$102,323
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in New Orleans

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $117,972 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $74,480 (10th percentile) to $174,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,972, a nuclear engineer in New Orleans earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
New Orleans's median nuclear engineer salary of $117,972 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $109,546. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $117,972 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in New Orleans? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in New Orleans 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.