Engineering Rochester, MN Pop. 121,395

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rochester, Minnesota

The median nuclear engineer salary in Rochester, MN is $117,972 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 1.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$117,972
vs State Avg
+$1,203
vs National
$-2,408
Cost of Living
98%

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

Rochester offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $117,972, which is $1,203 above the Minnesota state average of $116,769. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 98% 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 Rochester spans from $74,480 at the 10th percentile to $174,440 at the 90th percentile — a $99,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,440, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $168,560. With a population of 121,395, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $76,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,440
$-1,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,560
$-2,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$168,560
$-3,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, MN

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $74,480
25th Percentile $94,080
Median (50th) $117,972
75th Percentile $145,040
90th Percentile $174,440

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

Minneapolis, MN
$126,399
Pop. 429,954
Bloomington, MN
$122,788
Pop. 89,987
Saint Paul, MN
$120,380
Pop. 311,527
Duluth, MN
$108,342
Pop. 90,884

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Rochester

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Rochester

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Rochester, MN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rochester

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Rochester, MN? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Rochester, Minnesota is $117,972 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $74,480 (10th percentile) to $174,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,972, a nuclear engineer in Rochester earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the Minnesota state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Rochester's median nuclear engineer salary of $117,972 is 1.0% above the Minnesota state average of $116,769. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, MN? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $117,972 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Rochester? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Rochester 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.