Engineering New York City, NY Pop. 8,336,817

Nuclear Engineer Salary in New York City, New York

The median nuclear engineer salary in New York City, NY is $225,111 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median and 53.3% above the New York state average.

City Median
$225,111
vs State Avg
+$78,247
vs National
+$104,731
Cost of Living
187%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in New York City: What to Expect (2026)

New York City offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $225,111, which is $78,247 above the New York state average of $146,864. Compared to the national median of $120,380, New York City pays above average for this role.

However, New York City's cost of living index is 187%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $225,111 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in New York City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in New York City spans from $142,120 at the 10th percentile to $332,860 at the 90th percentile — a $190,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $145,860, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $321,640. As a major metro area with a population of 8,336,817, New York City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in New York City by Experience

In New York City, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $145,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $321,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$145,860
+$67,860 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$228,140
+$106,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$321,640
+$149,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New York City, NY

Percentile New York City
10th Percentile $142,120
25th Percentile $179,520
Median (50th) $225,111
75th Percentile $276,760
90th Percentile $332,860

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in New York City

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in New York City

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in New York City, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in New York City

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in New York City, NY? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in New York City, New York is $225,111 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $142,120 (10th percentile) to $332,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in New York City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $225,111, a nuclear engineer in New York City earns approximately $108 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New York City compare to the New York state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
New York City's median nuclear engineer salary of $225,111 is 53.3% above the New York state average of $146,864. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New York City, NY? ▼
New York City has a cost of living index of 187% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $225,111 in New York City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in New York City? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in New York City 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.