Engineering North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Nuclear Engineer Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median nuclear engineer salary in North Charleston, SC is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$114,361
vs State Avg
+$7,223
vs National
$-6,019
Cost of Living
95%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in North Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

North Charleston offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $114,361, which is $7,223 above the South Carolina state average of $107,138. Compared to the national median of $120,380, North Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

North Charleston's cost of living is 95% 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 North Charleston spans from $72,200 at the 10th percentile to $169,100 at the 90th percentile — a $96,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,100, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,400. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $74,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,900
$-6,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$163,400
$-8,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $72,200
25th Percentile $91,200
Median (50th) $114,361
75th Percentile $140,600
90th Percentile $169,100

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$126,399
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$120,380
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$110,750
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$108,342
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in North Charleston

Education

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

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in North Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $72,200 (10th percentile) to $169,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,361, a nuclear engineer in North Charleston earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
North Charleston's median nuclear engineer salary of $114,361 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $107,138. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC? ▼
North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $114,361 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in North Charleston? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in North Charleston 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.