Engineering Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median nuclear engineer salary in Paterson, NJ is $126,399 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$126,399
vs State Avg
$-12,038
vs National
+$6,019
Cost of Living
105%

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

Paterson offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $126,399, which is $12,038 below the New Jersey state average of $138,437. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $79,800 at the 10th percentile to $186,900 at the 90th percentile — a $107,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,900, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,600. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $81,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,900
+$3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,100
+$6,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,600
+$8,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $79,800
25th Percentile $100,800
Median (50th) $126,399
75th Percentile $155,400
90th Percentile $186,900

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
Elizabeth, NJ
$130,010
Pop. 137,298

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Paterson

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Paterson

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Paterson, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Paterson

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $126,399 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $79,800 (10th percentile) to $186,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,399, a nuclear engineer in Paterson earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Paterson's median nuclear engineer salary of $126,399 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $138,437. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $126,399 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Paterson? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Paterson 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.