Engineering Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median nuclear engineer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $122,788 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$122,788
vs State Avg
+$7,223
vs National
+$2,408
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $122,788, which is $7,223 above the Pennsylvania state average of $115,565. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia 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. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, 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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,560
+$1,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,440
+$2,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,440
+$3,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
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 Pennsylvania Cities

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $122,788 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $77,520 (10th percentile) to $181,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $122,788, a nuclear engineer in Philadelphia earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median nuclear engineer salary of $122,788 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $115,565. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $122,788 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Philadelphia? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Philadelphia 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.