Engineering Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median nuclear engineer salary in Erie, PA is $101,119 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$101,119
vs State Avg
$-14,446
vs National
$-19,261
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $101,119, which is $14,446 below the Pennsylvania state average of $115,565. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $101,119 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Erie spans from $63,840 at the 10th percentile to $149,520 at the 90th percentile — a $85,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,520, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,480. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $65,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,480
$-19,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,480
$-27,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $63,840
25th Percentile $80,640
Median (50th) $101,119
75th Percentile $124,320
90th Percentile $149,520

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$122,788
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$113,157
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$111,953
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$105,934
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Erie

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Erie

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Erie

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $101,119 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $63,840 (10th percentile) to $149,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,119, a nuclear engineer in Erie earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Erie's median nuclear engineer salary of $101,119 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $115,565. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $101,119 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Erie? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Erie 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.