Engineering Nebraska (NE) Rank #36 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Nebraska

The median nuclear engineer salary in Nebraska is $108,342 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$108,342
vs National
$-12,038
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. Nuclear Engineer salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $108,342 per year, nuclear engineers in Nebraska earn $12,038 less than the national median of $120,380.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $108,342 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $120,380 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $68,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $160,200 — a $91,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $111,953.

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 Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,800 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,800
$-12,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,800
$-17,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $68,400
25th Percentile $86,400
Median (50th) $108,342
75th Percentile $133,200
90th Percentile $160,200

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Nebraska

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Nebraska

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Nebraska? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Nebraska is $108,342 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $68,400 (10th percentile) to $160,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,342, a nuclear engineer in Nebraska earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $70,200, while senior professionals earn $154,800.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Nebraska's median of $108,342 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($109,546) and Indiana ($108,342).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Nebraska earns approximately $70,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $109,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $154,800.
What city in Nebraska pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $111,953. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.