Engineering Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median nuclear engineer salary in Durham, NC is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$114,361
vs State Avg
+$3,611
vs National
$-6,019
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $114,361, which is $3,611 above the North Carolina state average of $110,750. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $72,200 at the 10th percentile to $169,100 at the 90th percentile — a $96,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,100, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,400. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $74,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,900
$-6,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$163,400
$-8,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $72,200
25th Percentile $91,200
Median (50th) $114,361
75th Percentile $140,600
90th Percentile $169,100

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$117,972
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$117,972
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$105,934
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$103,527
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Durham

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Durham

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Durham, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Durham

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Durham, North Carolina is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $72,200 (10th percentile) to $169,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,361, a nuclear engineer in Durham earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Durham's median nuclear engineer salary of $114,361 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $110,750. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $114,361 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Durham? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Durham 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.