Engineering Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Missouri

The median nuclear engineer salary in Missouri is $105,934 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$105,934
vs National
$-14,446
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. Nuclear Engineer salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $105,934 per year, nuclear engineers in Missouri earn $14,446 less than the national median of $120,380.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $105,934 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $120,380 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $66,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $156,640 — a $89,760 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $110,750.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $68,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,360 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$107,360
$-14,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$151,360
$-20,640 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $66,880
25th Percentile $84,480
Median (50th) $105,934
75th Percentile $130,240
90th Percentile $156,640

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Missouri

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Missouri? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Missouri is $105,934 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $66,880 (10th percentile) to $156,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,934, a nuclear engineer in Missouri earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $68,640, while senior professionals earn $151,360.
How does Missouri compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Missouri's median of $105,934 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($107,138) and Tennessee ($107,138).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Missouri earns approximately $68,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $107,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $151,360.
What city in Missouri pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $110,750. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.