Engineering Michigan (MI) Rank #25 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Michigan

The median nuclear engineer salary in Michigan is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$114,361
vs National
$-6,019
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. Michigan falls in the middle of the pack for nuclear engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $114,361 per year, nuclear engineers in Michigan earn $6,019 less than the national median of $120,380.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $114,361 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $127,068 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $72,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $169,100 — a $96,900 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $132,418.

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 Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $74,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,400 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,900
$-6,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$163,400
$-8,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $72,200
25th Percentile $91,200
Median (50th) $114,361
75th Percentile $140,600
90th Percentile $169,100

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Michigan

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Michigan

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Michigan? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Michigan is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $72,200 (10th percentile) to $169,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,361, a nuclear engineer in Michigan earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $74,100, while senior professionals earn $163,400.
How does Michigan compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Michigan's median of $114,361 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($115,565) and Illinois ($114,361).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Michigan earns approximately $74,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $115,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $163,400.
What city in Michigan pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $132,418. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.