Engineering Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median nuclear engineer salary in Columbia, MD is $142,048 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$142,048
vs State Avg
+$9,630
vs National
+$21,668
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $142,048, which is $9,630 above the Maryland state average of $132,418. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $142,048 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Columbia spans from $89,680 at the 10th percentile to $210,040 at the 90th percentile — a $120,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $92,040, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,960. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $92,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$92,040
+$14,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$143,960
+$21,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,960
+$30,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $89,680
25th Percentile $113,280
Median (50th) $142,048
75th Percentile $174,640
90th Percentile $210,040

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$146,864
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$138,437
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$130,010
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$126,399
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Columbia

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Columbia, Maryland is $142,048 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $89,680 (10th percentile) to $210,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $142,048, a nuclear engineer in Columbia earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Columbia's median nuclear engineer salary of $142,048 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $132,418. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $142,048 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Columbia? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Columbia 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.