Nuclear Engineer Salary in Salem, Oregon
The median nuclear engineer salary in Salem, OR is $122,788 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.
Nuclear Engineer Pay in Salem: What to Expect (2026)
Salem offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $122,788, which is $9,630 below the Oregon state average of $132,418. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Salem pays above average for this role.
Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $77,520 at the 10th percentile to $181,560 at the 90th percentile — a $104,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,560, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $175,440. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Salem by Experience
In Salem, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $79,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR
| Percentile | Salem |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $77,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,920 |
| Median (50th) | $122,788 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $181,560 |
Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Oregon Cities
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Salem
Education
Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Salem and the surrounding Oregon area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Salem
Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Salem, OR: