Engineering Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median nuclear engineer salary in Lincoln, NE is $108,342 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$108,342
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-12,038
Cost of Living
90%

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

Lincoln offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $108,342, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $108,342. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln's cost of living is 90% 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 Lincoln spans from $68,400 at the 10th percentile to $160,200 at the 90th percentile — a $91,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,200, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $154,800. With a population of 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Lincoln by Experience

In Lincoln, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,800 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Lincoln, NE

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

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$111,953
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$110,750
Pop. 64,176
Kearney, NE
$103,527
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$101,119
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Lincoln

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Lincoln, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Lincoln, 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 Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,342, a nuclear engineer in Lincoln earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Lincoln's median nuclear engineer salary of $108,342 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $108,342. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $108,342 in Lincoln has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Lincoln? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Lincoln 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.