Nuclear Engineer Salary in Missoula, MT: $122,788 (2026)

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

Missoula offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $122,788, which is $8,427 above the Montana state average of $114,361. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% 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 Missoula spans from $77,520 at the 10th percentile to $181,560 at the 90th percentile — a $104,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,560, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $175,440. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $79,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$79,560

+$1,560 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$124,440

+$2,440 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$175,440

+$3,440 vs national

Percentile	Missoula	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$77,520	$72,200	$76,000
25th Percentile	$97,920	$91,200	$96,000
Median (50th)	$122,788	$114,361	$120,380
75th Percentile	$150,960	$140,600	$148,000
90th Percentile	$181,560	$169,100	$178,000

Percentile

Missoula

10th Percentile

$77,520

25th Percentile

$97,920

Median (50th)

$122,788

75th Percentile

$150,960

90th Percentile

$181,560

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Missoula

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Missoula

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

The median nuclear engineer salary in Missoula, Montana is $122,788 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $77,520 (10th percentile) to $181,560 (90th percentile).

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Missoula? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $122,788, a nuclear engineer in Missoula earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Missoula's median nuclear engineer salary of $122,788 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $114,361. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼

Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $122,788 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most nuclear engineer positions in Missoula 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 Missoula, Montana