Engineering Eugene, OR Pop. 176,654

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Eugene, Oregon

The median nuclear engineer salary in Eugene, OR is $126,399 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.5% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$126,399
vs State Avg
$-6,019
vs National
+$6,019
Cost of Living
105%

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

Eugene offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $126,399, which is $6,019 below the Oregon state average of $132,418. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Eugene pays above average for this role.

Eugene's cost of living is 105% 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 Eugene spans from $79,800 at the 10th percentile to $186,900 at the 90th percentile — a $107,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,900, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,600. With a population of 176,654, Eugene is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Eugene by Experience

In Eugene, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $81,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,900
+$3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,100
+$6,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,600
+$8,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Eugene, OR

Percentile Eugene
10th Percentile $79,800
25th Percentile $100,800
Median (50th) $126,399
75th Percentile $155,400
90th Percentile $186,900

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Eugene

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Eugene

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Eugene, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Eugene

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Eugene, OR? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Eugene, Oregon is $126,399 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $79,800 (10th percentile) to $186,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Eugene? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,399, a nuclear engineer in Eugene earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Eugene compare to the Oregon state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Eugene's median nuclear engineer salary of $126,399 is 4.5% below the Oregon state average of $132,418. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Eugene, OR? ▼
Eugene has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $126,399 in Eugene has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Eugene? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Eugene 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.