Engineering Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median nuclear engineer salary in Columbus, OH is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.

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

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

Columbus offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $114,361, which is $6,019 above the Ohio state average of $108,342. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus'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 Columbus 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. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH

Percentile Columbus
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 Ohio Cities

Cincinnati, OH
$108,342
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$103,527
Pop. 372,624
Akron, OH
$101,119
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$98,712
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Columbus

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Columbus

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Columbus, OH:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbus

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Columbus, Ohio 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 Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,361, a nuclear engineer in Columbus earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Columbus's median nuclear engineer salary of $114,361 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $108,342. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $114,361 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Columbus? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Columbus 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.