Nuclear Engineer Salary in Great Falls, MT: $105,934 (2026)

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $105,934, which is $8,427 below the Montana state average of $114,361. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls'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 Great Falls an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Great Falls 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. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, 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

Percentile	Great Falls	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$66,880	$72,200	$76,000
25th Percentile	$84,480	$91,200	$96,000
Median (50th)	$105,934	$114,361	$120,380
75th Percentile	$130,240	$140,600	$148,000
90th Percentile	$156,640	$169,100	$178,000

Percentile

Great Falls

10th Percentile

$66,880

25th Percentile

$84,480

Median (50th)

$105,934

75th Percentile

$130,240

90th Percentile

$156,640

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Great Falls

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Great Falls, MT? ▼

The median nuclear engineer salary in Great Falls, Montana 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 Great Falls? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $105,934, a nuclear engineer in Great Falls earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼

Great Falls's median nuclear engineer salary of $105,934 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $114,361. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼

Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $105,934 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Great Falls? ▼

Most nuclear engineer positions in Great Falls 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.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Great Falls, Montana