Engineering Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median nuclear engineer salary in Silver Spring, MD is $146,864 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$146,864
vs State Avg
+$14,446
vs National
+$26,484
Cost of Living
122%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $146,864, which is $14,446 above the Maryland state average of $132,418. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $146,864 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Silver Spring spans from $92,720 at the 10th percentile to $217,160 at the 90th percentile — a $124,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $95,160, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $209,840. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $95,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $209,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$95,160
+$17,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$148,840
+$26,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$209,840
+$37,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $92,720
25th Percentile $117,120
Median (50th) $146,864
75th Percentile $180,560
90th Percentile $217,160

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$142,048
Pop. 104,681
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 Silver Spring

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Silver Spring, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $146,864 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $92,720 (10th percentile) to $217,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $146,864, a nuclear engineer in Silver Spring earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median nuclear engineer salary of $146,864 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $132,418. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $146,864 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Silver Spring? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Silver Spring 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.