Engineering Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median nuclear engineer salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $130,010 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 6.1% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$130,010
vs State Avg
$-8,427
vs National
+$9,630
Cost of Living
108%

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

Elizabeth offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $130,010, which is $8,427 below the New Jersey state average of $138,437. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth's cost of living is 108% 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 Elizabeth spans from $82,080 at the 10th percentile to $192,240 at the 90th percentile — a $110,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $84,240, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $185,760. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $84,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $185,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,240
+$6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$131,760
+$9,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$185,760
+$13,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
10th Percentile $82,080
25th Percentile $103,680
Median (50th) $130,010
75th Percentile $159,840
90th Percentile $192,240

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$154,086
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$138,437
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$134,826
Pop. 311,549
Paterson, NJ
$126,399
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Elizabeth

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey is $130,010 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $82,080 (10th percentile) to $192,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,010, a nuclear engineer in Elizabeth earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median nuclear engineer salary of $130,010 is 6.1% below the New Jersey state average of $138,437. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $130,010 in Elizabeth has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Elizabeth? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Elizabeth 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.