Engineering Maryland (MD) Rank #9 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Maryland

The median nuclear engineer salary in Maryland is $132,418 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$132,418
vs National
+$12,038
State Rank
#9 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Maryland (2026)

Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. This places Maryland in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for nuclear engineers seeking high pay. At $132,418 per year, nuclear engineers in Maryland earn $12,038 more than the national median of $120,380.

It's worth noting that Maryland's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $132,418 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $120,380.

The salary spread in Maryland is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $83,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $195,800 — a $112,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maryland for this role is Silver Spring, where the median reaches $146,864.

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for nuclear engineers across the country.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Maryland by Experience

In Maryland, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $85,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The cost of living index in Maryland is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,800
+$7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,200
+$12,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,200
+$17,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maryland

Percentile MD Salary
10th Percentile $83,600
25th Percentile $105,600
Median (50th) $132,418
75th Percentile $162,800
90th Percentile $195,800

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Maryland

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Maryland include Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Germantown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Maryland

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Maryland has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Maryland

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Maryland's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Maryland

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Maryland? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Maryland is $132,418 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $83,600 (10th percentile) to $195,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Maryland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $132,418, a nuclear engineer in Maryland earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maryland a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $85,800, while senior professionals earn $189,200.
How does Maryland compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Maryland's median of $132,418 ranks #9 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($138,437) and Connecticut ($134,826).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Maryland? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Maryland earns approximately $85,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $134,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $189,200.
What city in Maryland pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Silver Spring is the highest paying city in Maryland for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $146,864. Other cities include Baltimore and Columbia.