Engineering Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median nuclear engineer salary in Columbia, SC is $108,342 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$108,342
vs State Avg
+$1,204
vs National
$-12,038
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $108,342, which is $1,204 above the South Carolina state average of $107,138. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $68,400 at the 10th percentile to $160,200 at the 90th percentile — a $91,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,200, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $154,800. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,800
$-12,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$154,800
$-17,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $68,400
25th Percentile $86,400
Median (50th) $108,342
75th Percentile $133,200
90th Percentile $160,200

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$126,399
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$120,380
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$114,361
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$110,750
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Columbia

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $108,342 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $68,400 (10th percentile) to $160,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,342, a nuclear engineer in Columbia earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Columbia's median nuclear engineer salary of $108,342 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $107,138. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $108,342 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Columbia? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Columbia 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.