Engineering Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median nuclear engineer salary in Columbia, MO is $105,934 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$105,934
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-14,446
Cost of Living
88%

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

Columbia offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $105,934, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $105,934. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $105,934 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Columbia spans from $66,880 at the 10th percentile to $156,640 at the 90th percentile — a $89,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,640, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,360. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $68,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,360 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

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

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$110,750
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$108,342
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$102,323
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$98,712
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Columbia

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Columbia, 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 Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,934, a nuclear engineer in Columbia earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Columbia's median nuclear engineer salary of $105,934 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $105,934. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $105,934 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Columbia? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Columbia 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.