Engineering Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median nuclear engineer salary in Buffalo, NY is $110,750 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 24.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$110,750
vs State Avg
$-36,114
vs National
$-9,630
Cost of Living
92%

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

Buffalo offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $110,750, which is $36,114 below the New York state average of $146,864. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Buffalo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Buffalo'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 Buffalo 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 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, 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 Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
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 York Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Buffalo, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Buffalo, New York 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 Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,750, a nuclear engineer in Buffalo earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Buffalo's median nuclear engineer salary of $110,750 is 24.6% below the New York state average of $146,864. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $110,750 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Buffalo? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Buffalo 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.