Engineering Montana (MT) Rank #26 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Montana

The median nuclear engineer salary in Montana is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$114,361
vs National
$-6,019
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #26 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. Nuclear Engineer salaries in Montana are below the national median, though the higher cost of living makes this gap more significant. At $114,361 per year, nuclear engineers in Montana earn $6,019 less than the national median of $120,380.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning nuclear engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $72,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $169,100 — a $96,900 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $138,437.

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 Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $74,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,400 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,900
$-6,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$163,400
$-8,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $72,200
25th Percentile $91,200
Median (50th) $114,361
75th Percentile $140,600
90th Percentile $169,100

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Montana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Montana

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Montana? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Montana is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $72,200 (10th percentile) to $169,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,361, a nuclear engineer in Montana earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Montana ranks #26 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $74,100, while senior professionals earn $163,400.
How does Montana compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Montana's median of $114,361 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($114,361) and Michigan ($114,361).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Montana earns approximately $74,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $115,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $163,400.
What city in Montana pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $138,437. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.