Nuclear Engineer Salary in Detroit, MI: $111,953 (2026)

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

Detroit offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $111,953, which is $2,408 below the Michigan state average of $114,361. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $111,953 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $127,219 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Detroit spans from $70,680 at the 10th percentile to $165,540 at the 90th percentile — a $94,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,540, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,960. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $72,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$72,540

$-5,460 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$113,460

$-8,540 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$159,960

$-12,040 vs national

Percentile	Detroit	MI State	National
10th Percentile	$70,680	$72,200	$76,000
25th Percentile	$89,280	$91,200	$96,000
Median (50th)	$111,953	$114,361	$120,380
75th Percentile	$137,640	$140,600	$148,000
90th Percentile	$165,540	$169,100	$178,000

Percentile

Detroit

10th Percentile

$70,680

25th Percentile

$89,280

Median (50th)

$111,953

75th Percentile

$137,640

90th Percentile

$165,540

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Detroit

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Detroit

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Detroit, MI? ▼

The median nuclear engineer salary in Detroit, Michigan is $111,953 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $70,680 (10th percentile) to $165,540 (90th percentile).

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Detroit? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $111,953, a nuclear engineer in Detroit earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼

Detroit's median nuclear engineer salary of $111,953 is 2.1% below the Michigan state average of $114,361. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼

Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $111,953 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Detroit? ▼

Most nuclear engineer positions in Detroit 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.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Detroit, Michigan