Engineering South Portland, ME Pop. 25,665

Nuclear Engineer Salary in South Portland, Maine

The median nuclear engineer salary in South Portland, ME is $126,399 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$126,399
vs State Avg
+$8,427
vs National
+$6,019
Cost of Living
105%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in South Portland: What to Expect (2026)

South Portland offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $126,399, which is $8,427 above the Maine state average of $117,972. Compared to the national median of $120,380, South Portland pays above average for this role.

South Portland's cost of living is 105% 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 South Portland spans from $79,800 at the 10th percentile to $186,900 at the 90th percentile — a $107,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,900, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,600. South Portland is a smaller market (pop. 25,665), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in South Portland by Experience

In South Portland, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $81,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,900
+$3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,100
+$6,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,600
+$8,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Portland, ME

Percentile South Portland
10th Percentile $79,800
25th Percentile $100,800
Median (50th) $126,399
75th Percentile $155,400
90th Percentile $186,900

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Maine Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in South Portland

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in South Portland

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in South Portland, ME:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in South Portland

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in South Portland, ME? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in South Portland, Maine is $126,399 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $79,800 (10th percentile) to $186,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in South Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,399, a nuclear engineer in South Portland earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Portland compare to the Maine state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
South Portland's median nuclear engineer salary of $126,399 is 7.1% above the Maine state average of $117,972. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Portland, ME? ▼
South Portland has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $126,399 in South Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in South Portland? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in South Portland 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.