Engineering Ohio (OH) Rank #38 of 50

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Ohio

The median nuclear engineer salary in Ohio is $108,342 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $120,380.

Median Salary
$108,342
vs National
$-12,038
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Nuclear Engineer Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer compensation. Nuclear Engineer salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $108,342 per year, nuclear engineers in Ohio earn $12,038 less than the national median of $120,380.

A key advantage of working in Ohio is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $108,342 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $120,380 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Ohio is significant: nuclear engineers at the 10th percentile earn $68,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $160,200 — a $91,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $114,361.

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for nuclear engineers across the country.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,800 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,800
$-12,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,800
$-17,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Ohio

Percentile OH Salary
10th Percentile $68,400
25th Percentile $86,400
Median (50th) $108,342
75th Percentile $133,200
90th Percentile $160,200

Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in Ohio

The largest employment areas for nuclear engineers in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Ohio

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Ohio has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook in Ohio

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Ohio's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Ohio

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Ohio? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Ohio is $108,342 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $68,400 (10th percentile) to $160,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,342, a nuclear engineer in Ohio earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for nuclear engineers? ▼
Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for nuclear engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level nuclear engineers earn $70,200, while senior professionals earn $154,800.
How does Ohio compare to other states for nuclear engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nuclear engineers is Hawaii at $204,646. Ohio's median of $108,342 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($108,342) and North Dakota ($108,342).
What is the entry-level nuclear engineer salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level nuclear engineer in Ohio earns approximately $70,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $109,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $154,800.
What city in Ohio pays nuclear engineers the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for nuclear engineers, with a median salary of $114,361. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.