Engineering Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

The median nuclear engineer salary in Massachusetts is $162,513 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$162,513
vs National
+$42,133
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for nuclear engineers seeking high pay. At $162,513 per year, nuclear engineers in Massachusetts earn $42,133 more than the national median of $120,380.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $162,513 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $120,380.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $102,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $240,300 — a $137,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $192,608.

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 Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $105,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $232,200 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$105,300
+$27,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$164,700
+$42,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$232,200
+$60,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $102,600
25th Percentile $129,600
Median (50th) $162,513
75th Percentile $199,800
90th Percentile $240,300

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Massachusetts

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Massachusetts is $162,513 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $102,600 (10th percentile) to $240,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $162,513, a nuclear engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $105,300, while senior professionals earn $232,200.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Massachusetts's median of $162,513 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($204,646) and California ($166,124).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $105,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $164,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $232,200.
What city in Massachusetts pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $192,608. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.