Engineering Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median nuclear engineer salary in Cambridge, MA is $192,608 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$192,608
vs State Avg
+$30,095
vs National
+$72,228
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $192,608, which is $30,095 above the Massachusetts state average of $162,513. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $192,608 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Cambridge spans from $121,600 at the 10th percentile to $284,800 at the 90th percentile — a $163,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $124,800, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $275,200. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $124,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $275,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$124,800
+$46,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$195,200
+$73,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$275,200
+$103,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $121,600
25th Percentile $153,600
Median (50th) $192,608
75th Percentile $236,800
90th Percentile $284,800

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$182,978
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$132,418
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$126,399
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$117,972
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Cambridge

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $192,608 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $121,600 (10th percentile) to $284,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $192,608, a nuclear engineer in Cambridge earns approximately $93 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Cambridge's median nuclear engineer salary of $192,608 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $162,513. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $192,608 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Cambridge? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Cambridge 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.