Engineering Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median nuclear engineer salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $110,750 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$110,750
vs State Avg
$-1,203
vs National
$-9,630
Cost of Living
92%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Rio Rancho: What to Expect (2026)

Rio Rancho offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $110,750, which is $1,203 below the New Mexico state average of $111,953. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% 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 Rio Rancho spans from $69,920 at the 10th percentile to $163,760 at the 90th percentile — a $93,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,760, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $158,240. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $71,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,240
$-9,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$158,240
$-13,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $69,920
25th Percentile $88,320
Median (50th) $110,750
75th Percentile $136,160
90th Percentile $163,760

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$132,418
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$114,361
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$105,934
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$98,712
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Rio Rancho

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $110,750 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $69,920 (10th percentile) to $163,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,750, a nuclear engineer in Rio Rancho earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median nuclear engineer salary of $110,750 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $111,953. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $110,750 in Rio Rancho has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Rio Rancho? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Rio Rancho 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.