Engineering Worcester, MA Pop. 206,518

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Worcester, Massachusetts

The median nuclear engineer salary in Worcester, MA is $132,418 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.5% below the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$132,418
vs State Avg
$-30,095
vs National
+$12,038
Cost of Living
110%

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

Worcester offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $132,418, which is $30,095 below the Massachusetts state average of $162,513. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Worcester pays above average for this role.

Worcester's cost of living is 110% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Worcester spans from $83,600 at the 10th percentile to $195,800 at the 90th percentile — a $112,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $85,800, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. With a population of 206,518, Worcester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Worcester by Experience

In Worcester, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $85,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,800
+$7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,200
+$12,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,200
+$17,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Worcester, MA

Percentile Worcester
10th Percentile $83,600
25th Percentile $105,600
Median (50th) $132,418
75th Percentile $162,800
90th Percentile $195,800

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$192,608
Pop. 118,403
Boston, MA
$182,978
Pop. 675,647
Lowell, MA
$126,399
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$117,972
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Worcester

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Worcester

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Worcester, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Worcester

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Worcester, MA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Worcester, Massachusetts is $132,418 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $83,600 (10th percentile) to $195,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Worcester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $132,418, a nuclear engineer in Worcester earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Worcester compare to the Massachusetts state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Worcester's median nuclear engineer salary of $132,418 is 18.5% below the Massachusetts state average of $162,513. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Worcester, MA? ▼
Worcester has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $132,418 in Worcester has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Worcester? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Worcester 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.