Engineering Reno, NV Pop. 264,165

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Reno, Nevada

The median nuclear engineer salary in Reno, NV is $125,195 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.2% above the Nevada state average.

City Median
$125,195
vs State Avg
+$8,426
vs National
+$4,815
Cost of Living
104%

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

Reno offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $125,195, which is $8,426 above the Nevada state average of $116,769. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Reno pays above average for this role.

Reno's cost of living is 104% 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 Reno spans from $79,040 at the 10th percentile to $185,120 at the 90th percentile — a $106,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,120, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $178,880. With a population of 264,165, Reno is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Reno by Experience

In Reno, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $81,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,120
+$3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,880
+$4,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,880
+$6,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reno, NV

Percentile Reno
10th Percentile $79,040
25th Percentile $99,840
Median (50th) $125,195
75th Percentile $153,920
90th Percentile $185,120

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Nevada Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Reno

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Reno

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Reno, NV:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Reno

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Reno, NV? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Reno, Nevada is $125,195 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $79,040 (10th percentile) to $185,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Reno? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,195, a nuclear engineer in Reno earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reno compare to the Nevada state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Reno's median nuclear engineer salary of $125,195 is 7.2% above the Nevada state average of $116,769. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reno, NV? ▼
Reno has a cost of living index of 104% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $125,195 in Reno has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Reno? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Reno 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.