Engineering Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median nuclear engineer salary in Boston, MA is $182,978 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$182,978
vs State Avg
+$20,465
vs National
+$62,598
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $182,978, which is $20,465 above the Massachusetts state average of $162,513. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $182,978 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Boston spans from $115,520 at the 10th percentile to $270,560 at the 90th percentile — a $155,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $118,560, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $261,440. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $118,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $261,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$118,560
+$40,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$185,440
+$63,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$261,440
+$89,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $115,520
25th Percentile $145,920
Median (50th) $182,978
75th Percentile $224,960
90th Percentile $270,560

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Boston

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Boston

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Boston, MA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Boston

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $182,978 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $115,520 (10th percentile) to $270,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $182,978, a nuclear engineer in Boston earns approximately $88 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Boston's median nuclear engineer salary of $182,978 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $162,513. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $182,978 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Boston? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Boston 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.