Engineering Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Minnesota

The median nuclear engineer salary in Minnesota is $116,769 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$116,769
vs National
$-3,611
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for nuclear engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $116,769 per year, nuclear engineers in Minnesota earn $3,611 less than the national median of $120,380.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning nuclear engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $73,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $172,660 — a $98,940 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $126,399.

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 Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $75,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,840 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,660
$-2,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$118,340
$-3,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$166,840
$-5,160 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $73,720
25th Percentile $93,120
Median (50th) $116,769
75th Percentile $143,560
90th Percentile $172,660

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Minnesota

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Minnesota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Minnesota? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Minnesota is $116,769 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $73,720 (10th percentile) to $172,660 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,769, a nuclear engineer in Minnesota earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $75,660, while senior professionals earn $166,840.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Minnesota's median of $116,769 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($117,972) and Arizona ($116,769).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Minnesota earns approximately $75,660 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $118,340. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $166,840.
What city in Minnesota pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $126,399. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.